Religion in Contemporary America

Course Description/Introduction

This course will focus upon the variety of ways in which religion is found in contemporary American experience. We will examine the changes within traditional historical religions as well as new religious groups which have evolved within American society. Consideration will be given to the ways in which major religions such as Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism have become part of and adapted to American culture. There will also be an emphasis upon understanding current trends such as "new age" practices, "men's movements" (i.e. "Promise Keepers"), fundamentalists/evangelicals, and apocalyptic/millennial groups.

The methods utilized will be: 1) Phenomenological: Attempting to understand each religious group from the point of view of the people within that particular tradition or movement in addition to analyzing social and pscyhological aspects. 2) Historical: Although the focus of the course is contemporary America, consideration will be given to placing modern movements within the context of their development in American history and the ways in which those developments have shaped current experience.

The class will utilize a combination of discussions, lectures, films, speakers and optional field trips to observe religious communities. A special feature will be the use of the extensive resources available on the Internet and the World Wide Web for studying Religion in America.

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Last Modified March 8, 1998
Kenneth J. Banner
banner@camden.rutgers.edu
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Religion in Contemporary America
Syllabus