24-H205 An Introduction to Cults
An Introduction to Cults provides a brief overview of prominent issues in the sociology of destructive cults from a variety of cultural contexts. This course will help the student better understand the context of the term “cult” as a descriptor for destructive and coercive groups and the complexities around identifying particular groups as cults or alternative religions. We will be discussing various prominent cults both past and present and, in so doing, identify how culture, socialization, social institutions, and social structure influence personal behaviour, ideas, choices, and social opportunities in relation to these groups. The course will be a blend of lecture and accompanying documentaries.
Instructor: Dr. Maryam Razavy
Maryam Razavy is a PhD graduate from the University of Alberta in both the departments of Religious Studies and Sociology. Her research focuses on the intersection between religion and violence, and between religion and law and religious fraud.
