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Since the times of the first English colonies in America, religion has played a foundational role in the formation of what was to become the United States of America. Religion is without doubt one of the most relevant factors that has informed American political and public culture. While some historians and cultural critics identify religiosity and religion as a dominant constituent of the American national character per se, others configure the specific nature of religion in the United States as a Habit of the Heart (Robert N. Bellah) that eventually evolved into a shared ideological premise that feeds both the self-perception of and social practice in American society.By exploring major historical and cultural foundations as well as significant moments of religious manifestations in the United States the course will discuss the impact of religious thought and practice on the self-definition of America and its repercussions on American culture and politics past and present. Course requirements include regular class attendance and active participation, one presentation as well as a final exam as part of the MAP. |
