Course Syllabus

Welcome to REL-R 160: Introduction to Religion in America!

What is “religion”? How has the American religious landscape changed in the last 300 years? What does it mean to be “religious” in America? Why do many Americans identify as “spiritual, but not religious”? Where can religion be found in American culture? In this course, we will look for signs of religion in some unexpected places: not just churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples—but also theme parks, Disney movies, YMCAs, restaurants, hospitals, public schools, and sports stadiums. Our “texts” include music, films, websites, food, court cases, and walking tours. Besides traditional essays and exams, course assignments will ask you to make fresh observations of your everyday landscapes and relationships. This course is an “introduction” that assumes no prior knowledge of religion or American history.