About REL 2350 A
Study of the relationship between religion, the cultural ethos, and identity in America. Prerequisite: Three hours in Religion.
Notes
Pre reqs: Three hours in Religion PACE students by permission and override.
Section Description
Religion is deeply embedded into the history and identity of America. The vow of the first amendment of the Constitution to protect Americans from interference with their religion created an environment for religious diversity and pluralism to flourish, but the reality of American culture is that this religious diversity is uneven and its history is full of conflict and tension as well as inspiration and uplift. In this course, we’ll look at the broad history of religion in America and then examine issues in the study of religion in America -- like race, religious appropriation, and politics. Students will do a group project that allows them to explore particular topics in religion in America. Some past examples of group projects have included issues in the separation of church and state, women and gender in different eras of American religious history, consumerism as religion in America.
Section Expectation
Class meetings combine lectures and discussions. Students may be asked to do small group discussions, in-class written reflections based on readings, and other activities to reinforce and assess learning of key concepts.
Evaluation
There will be one open-book short answer exam at the end of the first unit of the class; and three in-class, open-book, open-note assessments where students will be asked to use only course materials to create an argument and outline for an essay. For a follow-up assignment, students will turn one outline into an essay due at the end of the semester. Other assignments will include a group presentation based on research incorporating scholarly secondary sources addressing one issue/event in the study of religion in America.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
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Resources
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