Syllabus

  University of St. Francis

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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