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Teaching Durkheim’s Sociology of Religion through Pokémon
A pile of Pokemon cards
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Keywords

Durkheim
Religion
Culture
Theory
Pokémon

How to Cite

Smith, Edward. 2024. “Teaching Durkheim’s Sociology of Religion through Pokémon”. TRAILS: Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology, October. Washington DC: American Sociological Association. https://trails.asanet.org/article/view/teaching-durkheims-sociology-of-religion.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine Emile Durkheim’s structural framework from his book on Elementary Forms of Religious Life to explore Pokémon Platinum and its religious elements present within the game. Using Durkheim's theoretical framework from religion, Pokémon Platinum sheds light by making connections through the sacred and...

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Details

Subject Area(s):
Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems, Religion, Teaching and Learning in Sociology, Theory
Resource Type(s):
Class Activity, Lecture, PowerPoint
Class Level(s):
Any Level
Class Size(s):
Any

Usage Notes

Before Starting:


Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

  1. Students will be introduced to the theories and concepts of Emile Durkheim as they are applied to the sociology of popular culture in the context of religion.
  2. Students will learn sociological perspectives into all forms of religion in its many forms derived from distinguishing the sacred from the profane.
  3. Students will apply Durkheim’s concepts within the context of the Pokémon universe.
  4. Students will examine the function of totems and how they can be applied to the Pokémon universe.
  5. Students will think critically on the importance of popular culture and the many forms of religion.
  6. Students will identify religions in any of its forms to include fiction, popular culture, and modern culture.
  7. Students will learn and understand classical sociological theory.
  8. Students will experience sociology not as an inclusive practice, but a relevant science in its many forms derived from distinguish the sacred from the profane.

Goal Assessment(s):

  1. Multiple choice activity questions
  2. Discussion questions
  3. Fill in the blank chart activity

When using resources from TRAILS, please include a clear and legible citation.

Cover Page
Requires Subscription PPTX
Requires Subscription DOCX

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