Religion and Politics are the things we U.S.-Americans are expected not to talk about in polite company. The U.S. appears to be deeply divided on a number of issues. But why? The goal of this course is to describe and explain. This course is not about taking partisan political positions, advocating for specific political interests, or arguing about the truth of religious worldviews. The sociological study of religion and politics involves understanding how religion as a worldview and social phenomenon is related to politics as interests and social phenomena, both in the U.S. and globally. Trends in religious identity and practice shape political behaviors, movements, and changes. They have done so in the past and will continue to do so in the future. I'm going to examine a lot of controversial stuff in this course, but I'm going to "take a big step back" to do it. Perhaps it will provide you with the tools to have difficult conversations with friends, family, and strangers; and/or help understand why people disagree on what they disagree on and respond the way they do.
Common Course Outline