Religious Diversity in America

General

Prefix

REL

Course Number

201

Course Level

Undergraduate

Department/Unit(s)

Religious Studies

College/School

College of Liberal Arts

Description

An introduction to religious diversity and inter-religious dialogue in America. Religious faith and practice, tolerance, and public policy in a religiously diverse, democratic society.

Credits

Credit Hours

Min

Max

Repeatable

Goals and Diversity

MN Goal Course

Yes

MN Goal Designation(s)

Cultural Diversity

Learning Outcomes

Outcome

Describe the history of American religious diversity and contemporary American religious demographics.

Outcome

Compare exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism as responses to religious diversity.

Outcome

Analyze religious and philosophical foundations of tolerance and respect in a multicultural society.

Outcome

Analyze and evaluate approaches to public policy in a religiously diverse, democratic society.

Outcome

Discuss, evaluate, and formulate strategies for respectful inter-religious dialogue and cooperative action.

Course Outline

American religious demographics. 15% Religious exclusivism, religious pluralism, and the myth of religious superiority. 15% Religious and non-religious motivation for toleration and respect. 20% Pluralistic approaches to religious experience and sacred texts. 15% Humility, openmindedness, respect as intellectual virtues. 15% Role of religious convictions in the public sphere and in shaping public policy/law. 20%