Religion in Society: Historical and Global Perspectives

Catalog description

Religion has always been closely related to the other elements of society. The religious beliefs of people affect the kind of government and social system they have. The state can try to dictate (or suppress) religious beliefs. This course examines the role of religion in society in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United State through the centuries. We will discuss questions such as: How do religious systems affect political, social, and economic development? How do the latter influence religion? What is, has been, should be the relationship between "church" and "state" in homogeneous and pluralistic societies? How do religious beliefs lead to wars? What are the implications of our concept of freedom of conscience? We will read primary sources and secondary materials, view films, and visit religious institutions.