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Samuel Nelson

Academic title(s): 

Assistant Professor

Samuel Nelson
Contact Information
Address: 

3520 University Street, Room 019
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 2A7, Canada

Phone: 
514-398-8314
Fax number: 
514-398-6665
Email address: 
samuel.nelson [at] mcgill.ca
Degree(s): 

B.A. (Chicago), MA, Ph.D. (Yale)

Specialization: 

Secularization and church/state dynamics; Religious organization; Empire and colonialism; Missionaries

Biography: 

Sam Nelson is an historical sociologist who specializes in themes of secularization, religious change, religious organizations, religion and state-formation, and in the intersection of religion and politics. His research focuses on Christianity and European empires, early Protestant overseas missions, and the religious-organizational transformations associated with the rise of evangelical revivalism. He is currently working on a monograph, entitled Organizing the Global Millennium, on the imperial and missionary dimensions of the rise of evangelical Protestantism in the 18th century.

Professor Nelson supervises graduate work in the historical sociology of religion, comparative secularization, and the intersection of religion, politics, law and public life.

Courses: 

  • RELG 325. Varieties Religious Experience in Christianity.

    Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

    Credits: 3
    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
    This course is not offered this catalogue year.

    Description

    A survey of varieties of religious experience in Christianity.

    Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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  • RELG 331. Religion and Globalization.

    Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

    Credits: 3
    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
    This course is not offered this catalogue year.

    Description

    An exploration of the distinctive ways in which the world's religions are shaping and are shaped by the dynamics of globalization. It examines the multiple intersections of religion and globalization through a variety of themes and case studies in human rights, development, education, ecology, gender, and conflict
    • .

    Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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  • RELG 375. Religion, Politics and Society.

    Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

    Credits: 3
    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
    This course is not offered this catalogue year.

    Description

    A study of contemporary religious traditions in the light of debates regarding secularization, the relation of religion and politics, and the interaction of religion with major social institutions.
    • Restriction: U2 and U3 students
    • Fall

    Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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  • RELG 645. Methods in Religious Studies.

    Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

    Credits: 3
    Offered by: Religious Studies (Graduate Studies)
    This course is not offered this catalogue year.

    Description

    Theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of religion, including: historical studies/textual hermeneutics; ritual/performance studies; and religion and modernity.
    • Note: Restricted to M.A. students in Religious Studies, except with permission of the instructor.

    Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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