The economic study of religion comprises a variety of subfields, which collectively embrace all aspects of the social-scientific study of religion. Below is a list of current course offerings within this field of study being taught by IRES faculty.
ECON 315: Economics of Religion
Faculty: Laurence Iannaccone
Description: Prerequisites, MGSC 209, and ECON 350, or 350A. This course employs economic theory and social-scientific methods to study religious beliefs, behavior, and institutions. By combining economic concepts and real-world data, this course will address a wide range of questions concerning the content, causes, and consequences of religion. To a lesser extent, the course will also study the social, political, and economic correlates of religion. (Note that the economic study of religion is a social-scientific enterprise. It does not seek to evaluate the truth of religious claims, nor does it promote one religion over another.) 3 credits.
ECON 364: European Economic History
Faculty: Jared Rubin
Description: (Same as HIST 364.) Prerequisites, ECON 200, 201. This course analyzes the evolution of European economic institutions and the development of industry, commerce, and finance from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution. It traces the historical path which culminated in European economic hegemony. 3 credits.
SOC 312: Sociology of Religion
Faculty: Christopher Bader
Description: Prerequisite, SOC 101. This class provides an introduction to the sociology of religion. The class explores various theories that attempt to explain the religious impulse, discusses the differences between types of religious groups, examines reasons why people join (and leave) religious groups, and discusses macro-level tends in religious behavior. 3 credits.