It is difficult to say which is more impressive, the variety of religions in America or the sheer volume of them. Drive down the average city street and you will doubtless pass more religious meeting places than convenient stores. And chances are, each one will look a little different, feel a little different, and even smell a little different than the one just down the block. Why? The purpose of this course is to help you unravel the fascinating and sometimes confusing story of religion in America. Beginning with the Native Americans, we will tour this subject through jaunts of immigration and the nation at war (sometimes with itself). But this will not simply be sightseeing entertainment, for you will interact with religious movements through historical sources and firsthand experience. In the immortal words of Bette Davis, Hold on, this could be a bumpy ride.
This syllabus was created for the Young Scholars in American Religion program.
Philip K. GoffAuthor
California State University, Los AngelesInstitution
Public College or University Institution Type
Syllabus Resource Type
Undergraduate Course Class Type
1996 Date Published
Religious Studies, American Studies, History Discipline
General Comparative Traditions Religous Tradition
Immigration/Refugees, Race/Ethnicity, Nationalism/War/Civil Religion Topics