REL 221(F) American Religious History (Same as History 221)

This course surveys the history of religion in America over the past five hundred years or so. Though we will have occasion to look at some theological shifts, particularly within American Protestantism, our main concern will be with religion in its social, cultural, and political aspects. Pluralism is the inescapable focal point of any course in American religion. But rather than examining a different heritage each week-a traditional way of structuring this course-we will look at the contact of different spiritual cultures on American soil, paying special attention to religious conflict and exchange; issues of class, gender, and ethnicity; and competing notions of America's sacred destiny. The title of this class incorporates three terms that have been at the center of debate over the past five centuries: What is America? What phenomena are religious? What is the central narrative of history? During the course of the semester we will examine some of the very different ways people have answered these questions. One of the major goals of the course is to help you develop the critical skills that will enable you to evaluate religious themes in popular culture. To this end, we will read only primary sources, including sermons, devotional works, autobiographical narratives, missionary tracts, newspapers, novels, stories, poems, and comics. We will also watch a few movies. Lecture and discussion. Requirements: full attendance and participation; brief weekly response papers, an in-class midterm, a self-scheduled final exam, and one 10- to 12-page family history. Open to all classes without prerequisite.

Hour: VERTER