REL 140 - Religion in the United States

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: General

This course is designed to introduce students to the role of religion in the history and culture of the United States. Emphasis on the major themes, figures, and uniquely American religious groups and movements, concentrating on how they developed and have contributed to the larger culture. The course also provides a historical and religious background to current events along with the increasing diversity of the American people and their religions.
Competencies

Apply college-level reading skills to literary texts devoted to the history of religion in America as they relate to diverse religious groups,
1. Read a variety of forms, including but not limited to textbook materials, essays, journal articles, studies and non-fiction materials
2. Understand vocabulary relevant to various religions, religious groups and historical references
3. Label terminology appropriate to reading religious and history texts
Recognize the variety and diversity within American religious experiences, including Native American and African, Protestant, Roman Catholic, and non-Christian religious movements.
1. Apply analytical strategies to close readings of religious writings
2. Discuss connections between the religious groups, their leaders, texts and historical contexts
Interpret what is particularly unique to American religious history by exploring major themes and developments.
1. Discuss how multiple interpretations exist simultaneously
2. Describe major movements, themes and periods of American religious history including but not limited to the influence of Native American and African, European immigrants, colonial periods, the First and Second Great Awakenings, Abolitionism, Darwinism, Judaism, Catholicism, Pluralism, the Religious Right and others
Develop an understanding about the relationship between religion and history, not seeing the two as mutually exclusive entities.
1. Compare the major religious movements in juxtaposition with historical developments
2. Contrast the major religious movements in juxtaposition with historical developments
Assess America’s religious movements’ continuing relevance to historical events
1. Relate assigned texts with current events, global contexts, and material from other disciplines
2. Reflect on how texts shape diverse religious identities in current times as well as previous periods
Produce effective documents and artifacts to demonstrate understanding of course goals
1. Generate writing as an active process in response to assigned texts
2. Integrate primary sources from the past along with standard college-level documentation practices