Religious Freedom in America

This course examines the ideal of religious freedom, which often is seen a cornerstone of American society. Interrogating that view, students explore the idea and practice of religious freedom in the past and present, paying close attention to its limitations, contradictions, and ironies. Although the course draws especially upon studies of religion, law, and politics in the United States, students also consider forms of religion and secularism from around the world. Reading-intensive and discussion-driven, this course has no prerequisites.