American Gods and Hallmark Angels: Religion and Popular Culture in America

Catalog description

The course explores the intersections and interplay between religion and culture. The course will examine popular/folk religious traditions in the US as well as popular culture (including, but not limited to, media, politics,and consumerism) and the manner in which religious belief is informed by the prevailing culture and culture is informed by the prevailing religious beliefs in an American context. The following questions will be addressed within this context: How do folk/popular religious traditions differ from formal religious traditions? What part(s) do the media, consumerism, and politics play in the intersection of religion and culture? Is it possible for religious congregations to exist in a vital, lived manner on the internet? The following topics may be included: Christian Nationalism, miracles, Hallmark Angels and American Gods, mass media (including film, television, music, and internet).