Course Description:

In an age in which the volatility of politics and religion is making headlines, the study of religion in America achieves increased relevance.  This course will examine contemporary issues using historical and sociological perspectives, and will include such topics as the use of the Bible in American history, civil religion, separation of church and state, culture war and the ‘religious right’, religious foundations for contemporary social issues, and American religious pluralism. We will explore the question: What conceptions of “America” underlie these issues? The human values of religious freedom, tolerance of difference, and freedom of conscience will be highlighted in this course.

A special class project will be research paper presentations and debate/discussion on the Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow Supreme Court decision on whether to remove the phrase “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance.  The case will highlight such issues as the tyranny of majoritarian beliefs over minority non-belief, state allegiances with dominant religious tradition, and whether atheism is a ‘religion’ and thus, specially protected.