Religion American Public Life

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Religious ideas have a long and ambiguous history in the American civil and political life, from claims about the founding and manifest destiny, the legacy of slavery, and the struggles for securing civil and women's rights. American religious life has simultaneously confronted increasing secularism, disagreement over moral values, and a diverse citizenry. Debates about the role of religious groups in politics and policy-making continue to problematize notions of separation of "church and state." This course will explore a number of issues at the nexus of religion and American public life: How does religion factor into American electoral politics, including the rise of the alt-right? How do LGBTQIA rights claims interact, conflict, and coexist with religious rights claims? What are the causes and consequences of the rise of the "nones" or the religiously unaffiliated American population? How does religion influence US foreign policy? Students will examine these issues while also learning various theories regarding the optimal relationship between religion and U.S. public life throughout history, and while considering the implications of increasing religious pluralism.