Major and innovative religious organizations, ideas, movements, and personalities as they express themselves in particular religious settings as well as the manner in which they have influenced other aspects of American culture.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Additional readings and a research paper along with more extensive examinations to reflect the additional responsibilities.
Athena Title
American Religious History
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in RELI 3150, HIST 3150, RELI 3150E, HIST 3150E
Prerequisite
Junior or senior standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every odd-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will develop a flexible and dynamic understanding of the diversity and evolution of religion in America.
Students will analyze the significant impact of religion on various aspects of American culture, society, and politics throughout U.S. history.
Students will identify and assess the contributions of key individuals who have shaped American religious thought and practice.
Students will explore major religious ideas and movements that have influenced American history and continue to shape contemporary society.
Students will recognize and appreciate the multiplicity of religious traditions in the U.S. and their roles in shaping national identity.
Students will evaluate the theological, cultural, and demographic diversity of American religion and how different traditions interact and evolve over time.
Topical Outline
I. Introduction: the Course
II. Background
(A) Christianity
(B) African Religions
(C) Amerindian Religions
III. From "Old" World to the "New," 1607-1730
IV. Great Awakening and Its Aftermath, 1720-1760
V. Religion in Revolutionary America, 1760-1800
VI. The Churches, Second Awakening, and the Young Republic, 1800-1830
VII. Rise of New Movements and Religious Groups, 1820-1860
VIII. The Churches, Race, and the Slavery Controversy, 1783-1865
IX. Religion in Post-Civil War America, 1865-1918: The Churches Respond to New
Citizens
X. The Rise of Increased Religious Diversity, 1875-1918
XI. Facing New Intellectual and Societal Challenges, 1865-1918
XII. Protestantism and New Movements: Decades of Difficulty and Vitality, 1918-1950
XIII. The Maturation of Roman Catholicism, 1865-1965
XIV. Religion in Recent American History, 1950-present
XV. Conclusion
