Robert W. Balch

Ph.D., University of Oregon

rob.balch@umontana.edu
Social Science 325
406-243-2982

Office Hours:

and by appointment

Emphasis:

Unconventional Religions, Collective Behavior, Field Research

Research Interests:

Unconventional religions and radical right-wing movements

Current Project:

Writing about old projects, especially boundary issues in the totalistic religions and the insider/outsider problem in field research on the white power movement.

Selected Scholarly Work:

"The Rise and Fall of Aryan Nations: A Resource Mobilization Perspective." Journal of Political and Military Sociology, 2006, Vol. 34, No. 1 (summer): 81-113.

Making Sense of the Heaven's Gate Suicides" (with David Taylor). Pp. 209-228 in Cults, Religion & Violence, David G. Bromley and J. Gordon Melton, eds. Cambridge University Press, 2004.

Personal Interests:

Backpacking, traveling, snowshoeing, field trips with students

Current Courses

Soci 130 Sociology of Alternative Religions

MWF; 12:10-1:00;

Syllabus

Course downloads

Soci 488 sec. 2 Field Studies: Unconventional Religions

TR; 12:40-2:00; SS 330

Syllabus

Course downloads

Soci

Syllabus

Course downloads