The United States has long had a range of religious and spiritual traditions acknowledged and practiced in its borders. As these traditions increase in number and followers, there is a constant national renegotiation of what exactly is religion, and whether all forms of it, or all types of believers, can call the US home. Using case studies mostly researched and compiled by Harvard University’s Pluralism Project over more than 15 years through its Case Study Initiative, each week this course will dive into a new instance of a religion driven dilemma to both develop a broad understanding of religion in the US and engage in constructive conversation around the nation’s evolving religious landscape. Success in this course is heavily dependent on close readings of the brief case studies, interest in the Case Study Method and strong class participation, including respectful commentary, role play, and consistent attendance. 

Course Requirements:

Assignments will include short write-ups, a presentation, and a final case study authored by each student.

Class Format:

This course will meet synchronously, twice a week. Students are expected to attend all classes and participate fully and have access to a camera and microphone.