For almost a hundred years, commentators have described the progress of religion in the United States in terms of progressive secularization. The thesis of this course is that the opposite is true: far from becoming a culture void of enchantment, America is becoming more religious every day. You just have to know where-and how-to look. In this class we will uncover the theological dimensions of American mass media products (theodicy in the X-files, eschatology in Marilyn Manson), explore the ideological dimensions of religious material culture (evangelical t-shirts, Kosher Chinese cookbooks), and examine the appropriation of popular genres by religious subcultures (Eastern Orthodox hardcore 'zines, Christian diet manuals). We shall supplement our investigations with readings from such cultural theorists as Horkeimer, Adorno, Althusser, Gramsci, Hall, Fiske, Bourdieu, Bordo, and Baudrillard. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: full attendance and participation, brief weekly response papers, and one 18- to 25-page research paper. No prerequisites. Open to all classes. Enrollment limit: 20 (expected: 20). (This course is part of the Critical Reasoning and Analytical Skills initiative. )

Hour: VERTER