ONLINE SYLLABUS Religion in America (4 Semester Hours) May 8—August 27, 2000 |
Course Description:
Through a consideration and analysis of the history of the United States and the unique experiences of the various churches, religious movements, and the religious-philosophical movements within the United States, this course illustrates and explores the unique character of the American religious experience and examines America’s pluralistic religious tradition.
Course Objectives:
1. To discuss major religious traditions and movements in America.
2. To analyze major themes in the religious history in America.
3. To describe and discuss the relationship between religion and political life in America.
4. To discuss religious issues involved in contemporary American life and society.
5. To analyze and value a variety of religious viewpoints in 21st century America.
6. To prepare and analyze a topic through an in-depth inquiry of a religious theme. (Independent Study Component)
Guidelines for the Independent Study Component
The Independent Study Component will provide 25% of the overall course grade and will represent at least 16-hours of additional work over and above the assignments required for this course. Each student will write a 12-page research paper that will deal with an aspect of religion in America. The topic will be approved prior to beginning the project. Students are encouraged to pick a topic that either has applicability to their professional work or personal life.
Required Text:
ˇ Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America, 6th edition, Prentice Hall, 1999.
Other Suggested Resources:
ˇ Marty, Martin, Pilgrims in Their Own Land, Penguin, 1984.
ˇ Noll, Mark, Religion and American Politics, Oxford U.P., 1990.
ˇ Wentz, Richard, Religion in the New World, Fortress Press, 1990.
Course Content:
May 8 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 1-80
Backgrounds and Beginnings & England and America
Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 81-101
The Great Awakening
May 15 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 102-124
The Birth of the Republic
May 22 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 125-164
The Republic and the Churches & Protestant Expansion
May 29 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 165-185
Countervailing Trends and the Triumph of Methodism
June 5 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 186-206
Utopianism, Millennialism, and Humanitarianism
June 12 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 207-232
Post-Civil War America
MIDTERM WEEK
June 19 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 233-255
The New Americans
Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 256-275
The New Intellectual Climate
June 26 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 276-314
New Frontiers for the Churches
INDEPENDENT STUDY COMPONENT
July 3 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 315-343
The Shifting Religious Configuration
July 10 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 344-368
Protestantism’s Uneasy Journey to the Comfortable Fifties
July 17 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 369-383
The Maturing of Roman Catholicism
July 24 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 384-422
“Old and New Centers”
FINAL WEEK
Expectations:
I look forward to this semester and expect that you will do your part to make this a rewarding experience for you and the rest of the class. Together, we will have a fruitful journey to a better understanding of religion in America.
As an online learner, you will be expected, in addition to your reading assignments, to be in class at least four hours per week. (This is a summer course and is condensed by several weeks.) This four hour class time will be spent online with your other online learners or completing assignments. Assignments will be posted at the beginning of each week. While you are alone in front of your computer, you are still a part of your class. Class participation online is as important is it is in the traditional classroom.
Please complete your Student Profile ASAP. Make sure to include your e-mail address. Additional information and picture are desirable but completely optional.
Policies:
All students will take exams and turn in their Independent Study Projects by the due date.
Grading:
Midterm Exam 12.5%
Independent Study Project 25 %
Final Exam 12.5%
Class Participation 50 %
N.B. This is critical. Your class participation in class discussions is crucial. You will be graded on both the amount of participation and also the quality of it. I will respond to all your comments to my discussion questions and will read all of your responses to your classmates.
Grading Scale:
A=100-90
B=89-80
C=79-70
D=69-60
F=59-less
Statement of Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism has no place in your Independent Study Project. No credit will be given if plagiarism is present.
Accessibility:
I look forward to teaching this class. Even though my office hours vary from week to week, I want you to know that I am accessible by phone, cell phone, or e-mail. If you need anything or have any problem, the following information will provide you with access to assistance. Please feel free to contact me whenever necessary.
Dr. Al Campbell
2901-10 Black Partridge Lane
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 548.3858
cell phone (219) 928.5598
campbell@wolverton-mountain.com
www.wolverton-mountain.com
For technical assistance, contact St. Francis Online Help Desk at www.stfrancis.edu/lspace/help.htm or you can call the Center for Instructional Delivery: (815) 740-5080
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