Sociological Research and Teaching History at Notre Dame University
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Anthony J. Blasi, Bernard F. Donahoe, A History of Sociological Research and Teaching at Catholic Notre Dame University, Indiana
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: Queenston (Ont.), The Edwin Mellen Press, coll. « Studies in Religion and Society », 56, 2002, XI + 396 p.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Jean Séguy
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Anthony J. Blasi, Bernard F. Donahoe, A History of Sociological Research and Teaching at Catholic Notre Dame University, Indiana
Year: 2007 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.5382
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text discusses the book "A History of Sociological Research and Teaching at Catholic Notre Dame University, Indiana" by Anthony J. Blasi and Bernard F. Donahoe, examining its significance in the context of Catholic culture in the United States. The authors chronicle the evolution of sociological research and education at the University of Notre Dame from the early 20th century, navigating through various sociopolitical changes, cultural contexts, and religious dynamics up to the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The work highlights the establishment of sociology within a predominantly Catholic institution, providing insights into how secular sociology began to take shape even before it became a formal part of the curriculum.
The Influence of Historical Context on Sociological Education
One of the critical concepts presented in the text is the impact of historical events, particularly the Great Depression, on the development of the sociology department at Notre Dame. The authors illustrate that the foundation of the program was not solely an academic pursuit but was deeply intertwined with the broader economic and cultural challenges of the time. The influx of sociological studies coincided with the Catholic Church's public resurgence, marked by significant events such as the Eucharistic Congress in Chicago in 1926. These historical factors influenced the dynamics of teaching and learning within the sociology department, especially given the Catholic hierarchy's largely traditional stance against modernist thought. The tension between progressive sociological inquiry and the conservative Catholic milieu is laid out through personal narratives from clergy and educators who ventured into sociology during this restrictive period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Blasi and Donahoe's work offers a comprehensive exploration of sociological education at Notre Dame, revealing significant insights into the interplay between faith and academia in a Catholic context. The book stands out due to its rigorous research and detailed account of sociological development during a tumultuous historical period. Although the authors do not explicitly classify their work within specific scholarly identities, it substantially contributes to our understanding of the evolution of sociology as both a discipline and its application within the Catholic academic framework. The richness of the narrative suggests a need for similar historical studies across other institutions, which would further illuminate the complexities of sociological research and its broader implications both within and outside religious contexts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main subject of the book by Blasi and Donahoe?
The book chronicles the history of sociological research and teaching at Catholic Notre Dame University, exploring its development throughout the 20th century, influenced by various political, cultural, and ecclesiastical factors.
What time period does the book cover regarding sociological practice?
It spans from the early 20th century, beginning with the 'era of Catholic sociology' and extends to Vatican II in the 1960s, examining the sociological landscape within the Catholic Church during this period.
Who are the authors of the book and their backgrounds?
Anthony J. Blasi has a sociology doctorate from Notre Dame and teaches at Tennessee State University, while Bernard F. Donahoe is a Holy Cross brother and historian at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Sociological Research and Teaching History at Notre Dame University”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
The study of sociology, as discussed in this book, highlights the impact of various religious contexts on sociological research and its evolution within Catholic institutions, showcasing the interplay between faith and social science.
2) Book:
This book serves as a crucial historical text that chronicles the development of sociological teaching at Catholic Notre Dame University, providing insights into the cultural and political influences on the discipline throughout the 20th century.
3) Depression:
The period of the Great Depression had significant effects on the establishment of the sociology department at Notre Dame, influencing faculty hiring, student engagement, and the overall reception of sociological inquiry during challenging economic times.
4) Knowledge:
The authors frame sociology as a form of knowledge that necessitates both theoretical understanding and practical engagement, reflecting on the importance of academic rigor within the context of a Catholic institution.
5) Student:
Students at Notre Dame engaged with sociology during a time when such studies were often viewed with skepticism within the Catholic hierarchy, contributing to a rich academic environment amidst cultural tensions.
6) Judge:
Readers are encouraged to judge the historical narrative presented in the book critically, particularly in relation to the experiences of individuals at Notre Dame who navigated the complexities of teaching and studying sociology.
7) Celebration:
The Eucharistic Congress in Chicago represents a celebratory moment for the Catholic Church, juxtaposed with the struggles faced by sociologists at Notre Dame during the same historical period.
8) Reflection:
Reflection on the historical evolution of sociology at Notre Dame offers valuable perspectives on how academic disciplines develop within specific cultural and ecclesiastical contexts.
9) Science (Scientific):
The book positions sociology not only as a historical narrative but also as a scientific inquiry, emphasizing its importance as a legitimate field of study even within a confessional institution.
10) Identity:
The notion of identity is explored in the book through the lens of the sociology department, raising questions about the academic and ecclesiastical affiliations that shaped its trajectory.
11) Priest:
The experiences of priests engaged with sociology during the Great Depression highlight the tension between modernity and traditional Catholic teachings, influencing the development of the discipline in a predominantly religious environment.
12) Market:
The reference to the stock market crash of 1929 underscores the broader economic factors that influenced sociological education at Notre Dame and the socio-political climate of the time.
13) Adage:
The Latin adage 'admirandum, non imitando' reflects the original contributions made by the authors in documenting unique historical circumstances, suggesting that imitation may fall short in capturing such complexity.
14) Woman (Women):
The involvement of women in the sociology department, alongside their contributions to the broader Catholic intellectual tradition, is touched upon, indicating their roles in shaping academic discourse.
15) Limit (Limiting, Limited):
The authors impose temporal limits in their historical survey, focusing on the time frame from the Great Depression to Vatican II, which frames their exploration of sociological teaching.
16) Anti (Amti):
The book discusses the anti-modern sentiments prevalent among certain segments of the Catholic clergy, influencing attitudes toward the teaching of sociology during more conservative periods.
17) Hour:
The 'work and hours' of faculty and students within the sociology department are marked by ongoing intellectual engagement and the evolution of sociological thought.
18) Lead:
The accounts of faculty leadership within the sociology department are examined, shedding light on the challenges they faced in fostering an academic environment conducive to sociological inquiry.
19) Face (Facing, Faced):
Faced with societal changes and internal ecclesiastical pressures, the sociology department at Notre Dame navigated a complex landscape, shaping the dialogue between faith and social science.