Religious Dimensions of Political Thought

Catalog description

This seminar covers the concept of “civil religion” in Western political theory and American political thought. Civil religions emerge in the liminal space between sacred and secular. Building upon previous coursework in political theory, students will consider differing interpretations of the “correct” balance between Church and state in various philosophical works (like those of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Rousseau, and others). Additionally, students will consider the American civil religion as an application of this theory. Sources will include primary texts of the Founders, as well as numerous secondary sources. This class prepares students for scholarly presentations at academic conferences in political science.