Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

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RELI 0170

American Religion

American Religion
In this course we will explore religion in the Americas with a focus on the United States. Relying on a metaphor from linguistics, we will trace how an American religious “grammar” emerged from colonial contact zones and then assess how capitalism, denominationalism, and secularism shaped that grammar during the ensuing centuries. Extending the metaphor, we will seek to understand how different actors “spoke” American religion to shape society, make sense of the world, and harness natural and supernatural power. We will cover American variations on the traditions of Buddhism, indigenous religion, Christianity, African diasporic religion, folk spirituality, and Islam. 3 hrs lect, 1 hr. disc.
Subject:
Religion
Department:
Religion
Division:
Humanities
Requirements Fulfilled:
AMR HIS PHL
Equivalent Courses:
AMST 0170
AMCV 0170
HIST 0228
HIST 0170

Sections in Fall 2011, School Abroad France (Paris)

Fall 2011

RELI0170A-F11 Lecture (Rochford)
RELI0170Y-F11 Discussion (Rochford)
RELI0170Z-F11 Discussion (Rochford)