Orthodox America

Catalog description

This course surveys the rich history of Orthodox Christian communities in North America from the early 19th century to the present day. Orthodox Christians from the Middle East, eastern Europe, Russia, Ethiopia, India, and elsewhere have immigrated to America for more than two hundred years, and contributed to the American religious, political, legal, literary, and material landscapes. Their stories are, however, rarely incorporated into the often Protestant-centric grand narratives of the history of religion in America. Through the lenses of post-colonial, immigration and diaspora, gender, media, and religious studies, this course surveys the literature, art, material culture, and religious practice of various Orthodox Christian communities, highlighting the multifaceted ways Orthodox Christianity shaped America. The classes will consist of robust study of primary sources and scholarly works (including theoretical, historical, and ethnographic works), critical engagement with representations of Orthodox Christians in mass media, social media, and popular culture, and museum and church visits. The course is offered both at graduate and advanced undergraduate level.