A study of American religious groups, principally Christian denominations, including selected sects and cults. Various beliefs and practices will be examined in light of historical and social influences.
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
- Distinguish the origins and development of the religions in America in written examinations.
- Distinguish the primary beliefs and concepts of the religions in America in written examinations.
- Compare and contrast an important custom in two of the religions in America in a project or essay.
Course Content Outline
- Overview of Protestant Reformation
- Overview of American religious history from 1620 to the present
- Major religions and denominations in America
- Judaism
- Roman Catholicism
- Protestantism
- Other religions in America
- Native American traditions
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Islam
- New Religious Movements
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Confucianism
- Taoism
- Judaism
- Christianity
- Islam
Department Guidelines
Evaluation will be by multiple exams and a research project.
PO4 should be assessed: Students will be able to recognize or articulate personal/interpersonal aspects of, or connections between, diverse cultural, social, or political contexts.
PO5 should be assessed: Students will be able to solve problems by gathering, interpreting, combining and/or applying information from multiple sources.