REL - 254 Religion in Contemporary America

Credits: 3

Prerequisites
ENGL 099; recommended ENGL 101.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the expressions of religious belief and the roles which religious belief play in the lives of Americans are more varied than ever. This course will examine the current state of organized religion in the United States, via an analysis of religious traditions/ denominations which are growing and traditions/ denominations which are in decline, as well as various psychological, sociological, and phenomenological theories which attempt to ascertain why religion remains so influential in the lives of so many Americans. Students will be encouraged to compare and contrast the various religious views and practices that we will encounter with their own.