Abnormal Psychology

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 21^st 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:
· Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America, 6^th edition, Prentice Hall, 1999.

Other Suggested Resources:
·        Marty, Martin, Pilgrims in Their Own Land, Penguin, 1984.
·        Noll, Mark, Religion and American Politics, Oxford U.P., 1990.
·        Wentz, Richard, Religion in the New World, Fortress Press, 1990.

Course Content:
May 6 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 1-80
Backgrounds and Beginnings & England and America

May 13 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 102-124
The Birth of the Republic

May 20 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 125-164
The Republic and the Churches & Protestant Expansion

May 27 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 165-185
Countervailing Trends and the Triumph of Methodism

June 3 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 186-206
Utopianism, Millennialism, and Humanitarianism

June 10 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 207-232
Post-Civil War America

Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 256-275
The New Intellectual Climate

June 24 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 276-314
New Frontiers for the Churches

July 1 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 315-343
The Shifting Religious Configuration

July 8 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 344-368
Protestantism’s Uneasy Journey to the Comfortable Fifties

July 15 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 369-383
The Maturing of Roman Catholicism

July 22 Hudson & Corrigan, Religion in America pages 384-422
“Old and New Centers”

Grading:
Midterm Exam                       12.5 %
ISC                                          25   %
Final Exam                             12.5 %
Class Participation                 50   %

N.B. This is critical. Your class participation in class discussions is critical. 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 you responses to your classmates. It is my expectation that you will read all of the classes’ responses also.

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 philosophy in our modern society. The topic will be approved before beginning the project. Students are encouraged to pick a topic that either has applicability to their professional work or personal life.

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 your class. Together, we will have a fruitful journey to better understanding philosophy in our modern society. As an online learner, you will be expected, in addition to your reading assignments, to be in class at least three hours per week. This three-hour class time will be spent online with your other online learners or completing the weekly 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 even more important than in the traditional classroom.

Statement of Academic Integrity:
Students in this course will be expected to comply with the USF guidelines regarding academic integrity that appear in the university catalog (2000-2002 catalog, p.62). Honesty in all academic work is expected of every student. This means giving one's own answers in all class work, quizzes, and examinations without help from any source not approved by the instructor. Written material is to be the student's original composition. Appropriate credit must be given for outside sources from which ideas, language, or quotations are derived. You are expected to do your own work in this course.

ADA Statement:
All students with disabilities who need accommodations should alert your instructor within the first week of school and contact the Disabilities Coordinator, Dr. MeShelda Jackson in the Office of Disability Services. She can be reached by email (mjackson@stfrancis.edu) or phone (815) 740-3461.

Accessibility:
I look forward to teaching this class. 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.

For technical assistance, contact St. Francis Online Help Desk: www.stfrancis.edu/lspace/help.htm or you can call the Center for Instructional Delivery: (815) 740-5080 or (800) 726-2600.

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