Maintaining a narrow focus within the historical foundations which shaped the experience of religion in the United States, students will have the opportunity to explore both the antecedents and precedents for the 13 colonies as well as the rationale for the phrase "separation of church and state." The course will examine key religious movements in the U.S. such as the Puritan influence, the Great Awakenings, and the paradox of forced slave religion. Participants will also synthesize historic periods within the intersection of today's tensions between religion and politics and society.
This online class meets on May 13, 20, June 3, 10, and 17.