Latinas/os, or people who trace their ancestry to the countries of Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, are the largest minority group in the United States. Religion forms
an important part of the lives of many Latinas/os. From various expressions of Catholicism, to Protestant and Pentecostal movements, to religions that draw on African heritage and folk
devotions, many Hispanics have a rich religious life. Adding to this richness, Latinas/os are a diverse group made up of communities that claim distinct countries of national origin, including
Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and people from Central and South America. This course explores the history and practice of several major Latina/o religions, the role religion plays in ethnic identity formation and maintenance, the ways in which religion aids Latinas/os in a context often touched by racism and prejudice, and the cultural products associated with Hispanic religions.

This syllabus was created for the Young Scholars in American Religion program.

Brett Hendrickson
Author

Lafayette College
Institution

Private College or University
Institution Type

Syllabus
Resource Type

Undergraduate Course
Class Type

2016
Date Published

Religious Studies
Discipline

Catholic, General Comparative Traditions, New Religious Movements
Religous Tradition

Race/Ethnicity
Topics