REL 336 Religion and War in America

This course will ask students to engage with the various ways that American religion has contributed to, resisted, and been embedded within U.S. military action. Students will also examine how the historical memory of particular wars can shape religious ideals long after the original events, particularly in the case of the Civil War and World War II. This course will also explore how wartime can highlight the difficulties of separating “religion” and “secularism” into neat categories.  Course content ranges from the Civil War to the present day War on Terror.

Credits

4 sh

Course Types

American Studies elective

Course Outcomes

1. Students will improve their critical thinking about the relationship between religion and state power.
2. Students will be able to explain how nationalism and patriotism can sometimes function as religion.
3. Students will be able to explain how race and racism have played roles in American wars
4. Students will learn how to analyze and demystify religion’s interaction with militancy