UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS
THEO 315 Y: RELIGION IN AMERICA
January 9—April 27, 2005
Syllabus
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 religious-philosophical movements within the United States, this course explores the unique character of the American religious experience and examines America’s pluralistic religious tradition. Special attention will be given to the current religious issues in America.
Course Objectives:
A. To discuss major religious traditions and movements in the United States.
B. To analyze major themes in the religious history of the United States.
C. To describe and discuss the relationships between religion and political life in the United States.
D. To discuss religious issues involved in contemporary American life and society.
E. To analyze and value a variety of religious viewpoints in America today.
F. To demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills in the context of Religion in America.
G. To prepare and analyze an approved topic, through an in-depth inquiry of the topic. (Independent Study Component)
Independent Study Component:
Courses offered in the Health Arts Program are designated as upper division and are also 4 semester hours of credit. Consequently, the Independent Study Component becomes an integral part of the Health Arts courses that adds both breadth and depth to each course. It distinguishes those courses taken in the Health Arts Program from ones that have similar titles but are lower division and also from those that are three semester hours of credit.
The general guidelines for the Independent Study Component are:
· The Independent Study Component is 25 percent of the overall course grade and represents at least 16-hours of additional work completed over and above the assignments required for a typical 3 semester course.
· It should contain a research component and/or analytical paper. Emphasis should be placed on analysis, synthesis, interpretation of material, and application.
· The ISC will be 15-pages in length, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-font, and must reference all resources used within the body of the paper and include a bibliography at the end.
· It is reflected in the instructor’s syllabus as the Independent Study Component.
For students in Religion in America, you may mail, fax, or e-mail your assignments to me. Your work must be postmarked by the end of the week of that particular week. Each of the weekly assignments will be 500-words in length (approximately 2-pages).
Course Content:
Week 1 January 9th Studying and Describing Religion
Week 2 January 16th Religion in the Life of the United States
Week 3 January 23rd Conflict and Controversy
Week 4 January 30th Protestant Christians and Denominational Protestantism
Week 5 February 6th Diverse Themes in American Christianity
Week 6 February 13th Catholic Christians
Week 7 February 20th Ethnic Diversity in Christianity
Week 8 February 27th Midterm
Week 9 March 6th American-Born Christianity
Week 10 March 13th Living a Jewish Life in the United States
Week 11 March 20th Humanism and the Unitarian Universalists
Week 12 March 27th Muslims in the United States
Week 13 April 3rd Hindus and Buddhists
Week 14 April 10th ISC due by April 15th
Week 15 April 17th Other Religious and Spiritual Movements
Week 16 April 24th Final Exam
Required Text:
Hemeyer, Julia Corbett, Religion in America, 5th Edition, Prentice-Hall, 2006.
Textbooks and List of Other Resources:
Ahlstrom, Sydney E., A Religious History of the American People, 2 vols., Yale University Press, 1972.
Albanese, Catherine L., America Religious and Religion, 2nd ed., Wadsworth, 1992.
Bedell, George C., Sandon, Jr., Leo, and Wellborn, Charles T., Religion in America, 2nd ed., Macmillan, 1982.
Carmody, Denise and Carmody, John, Exploring American Religion, Mayfield Publishing Co., 1990.
Corbett, Julia M., Religion in America, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall, 1997.
Gaustad, Edwin Scott, A Religious History of America, New Revised Edition, Harper Collins, 1990.
Handy, Robert T., A Christian America: Protestant Hopes and Historical Realities, 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, 1984.
Hudson, Winthrop and Corrigan, John, Religion in America, 5th ed., Macmillan, 1992.
Kosmin, Barry A. and Lachman, Seymour P., One Nation Under God: Religion in Contemporary American Society, Crown Publishers, 1993.
Marsden, George M., Religion and American Culture, Harcourt Brace, 1990.
Marty, Martin E., Pilgrims in Their Own Land: 500 Years of Religion in America, Penguin Books, 1984.
Marty, Martin E., A Short History of American Catholicism, Thomas More-Tabor Publishing, 1995.
Noll, Mark A., ed., Religion and American Politics: From the Colonial Period to the 1980’s, Oxford University Press, 1990.
Wuthnow, Robert, Christianity in the 21st Century: Reflections on the Challenges Ahead, Oxford University Press, 1993.
Wuthnow, Robert, The Restructuring of American Religion: Society and Faith Since World War II, Princeton University Press, 1988.
Grades:
1. Weekly Papers 25% of grade
2. Independent Study Component 25% of grade
3. Midterm 25% of grade
4. Final 25% of grade
Statement of Academic Integrity:
Students have an obligation to exhibit honesty in carrying out their academic assignments. Students may be found to have violated this obligation if they plagiarize or cheat. Plagiarism is presenting the work of others as one’s own; cheating is taking, giving, or accepting any illicit advantage for any course work inside or outside of the classroom.
ADA Statement:
All students with disabilities who need accommodations should alert your instructor within the first week of school and contact the Disabilities Coordinator, Pat Vivio in the Office of Disability Services, Room S210. She can be reached by email (pvivio@stfrancis.edu) or phone (815) 740-3204.
USF
Mission Statement:
As a Catholic university
rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learner challenged
by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge,
faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes
reverence for creation, compassion, and peacemaking. We strive for academic
excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world
through service and leadership.
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.
Dr. Al
Campbell
8355 Doubletree Drive North
Crown Point, IN 46307
cell (219) 928-5598
(219) 942-5595
fax (219) 942-1315
campbell@wolverton-mountain.com