First-Year Writing Seminar (101-8-21)

Topic

Counter-sovereigns, Dissidents & Heretics: Religio

Instructors

Elizabeth Shakman Hurd
Scott, #209

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 107 Burdick Room: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Counter-sovereigns, Dissidents & Heretics: Religion and Politics Beyond the State:

Modern political ideals such as democracy, multiculturalism, pluralism, secularism, toleration, and the concept of religion itself, are defined in relation to contingent features of the modern state. This course steps outside of the "state box" to explore alternative formations of political and religious agency and solidarity as embodied in the words and actions of counter-sovereigns, dissenters, heretics, dissidents, and reformers. Paying close attention to the contours and contents of specific forms of dissent, and comparing them to each other, we will study efforts to challenge, rewrite, remake, and/or cultivate indifference to dominant, state-aligned secular and religious identities, ideologies, and interests. Geographically, the course will cover a range of contexts, from the U.S. to Colombia, from Egypt to Haiti, and from Mexico to France to Israel/Palestine. Students will be encouraged to think creatively about, and perhaps even contribute to, the generation of new possibilities for living together beyond the confines of secular or religious nationalisms.

As a writing intensive seminar, this course also emphasizes research and writing skills to prepare students for college-level research and writing. We will discuss academic integrity and get tips from a librarian on how to make the most of Northwestern's wide-ranging academic resources.

Learning Objectives

• Summarize and evaluate arguments made by others;
• Formulate persuasive and creative arguments, orally and in writing, based on careful analysis of evidence; • Cite sources appropriately;
• Use Northwestern Library resources to locate, identify, cross-check, and critique important sources, including scholarly articles.
• Write competently enough to satisfy the Weinberg College writing requirement.

Teaching Method

Class Materials (Required)

TBA.

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.