Topics in American Religion (369-0-20)

Topic

Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence in the US

Instructors

Izzak Novak

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Many today argue that religion is inherently violent-the cause of national rivalries and wars, the justification for hierarchies and abuses, etc. At the same time, many also argue that violence is antithetical to "true" religion and is actually an outgrowth of human imperfections imposed on the divine. This course takes a different tack, identifying violence and religion as important aspects of human cultures without a given, natural, or immutable relationship to each other. We track how religious Americans have thought about, used, and avoided violence. We explore key moments in US history where violence, nonviolence, and religion came together, broke apart, refracted, and realigned. We think capaciously about the forms violence takes-from colonialism to war to enslavement to racism to hunting and eating-and resist painting religion with a single brush. Students in this course will draw upon the knowledge, wisdom, theories, and methods of the humanities and interpretive social sciences to craft cogent and compelling arguments to understand and explain how religion, violence, and nonviolence have brought us to where we are today.

The course counts toward Religion, Law and Politics (RLP) religious studies major concentration.

Learning Objectives

To develop complex understandings of the relationships among religion, violence, and nonviolence. To sample ways these themes have manifested in US history and culture. To gain facility with interdisciplinary scholarship and strengthen argumentation and academic writing.

Teaching Method

Class Materials (Required)

- Wenger, Tisa. Religious Freedom: The Contested History of an American Ideal. 1469661608. ($37.50)
- Preston, Andrew. Sword of the Spirit, Shield of Faith: Religion in American War and Diplomacy. 140007858X. ($24)

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
SoC Additional Distro