Courses

100 Level: Religion and Popular Culture

This course provides an introduction to the study of Religion and Popular Culture in the modern world. We will study what constitutes “religion” and how definitions of religion change over time. Among other things, we will explore various intersections between religion and popular media, including music, news, advertising, visual arts, literature, performance, and film.

100 Level: Intro to World Religions

This course explores the diversity of religions and religious experiences across the globe. Religions to be examined include, but are not limited to, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as indigenous traditions. At the same time, this class probes deeper into the meaning of “religion” itself, particularly in how it gets employed in the global context.

200 Level: Religion in the American Experience

This course examines American religious ideas, practices, and forms of community from the colonial period to the present. Themes include the interrelation of religion with politics, immigration, gender, and racial and ethnic diversity in the United States. Students develop analytical thinking skills through reading, writing, discussion, and comprehensive exams.

200 Level: Religion and Film

This course explores religion and its relationship with visual storytelling culture. We will discuss and interrogate the ways in which film interacts with ideas of the sacred, ritual, myth and symbols in order to think critically, creatively, and personally about religious, ethical, and cultural issues. Our agenda is to analyze, explore, and challenge various religious, pop-cultural, ideological, and moral messages as presented in various types of film, from art-house cinema to blockbuster movies, and genres ranging from horror to comedy.

200 Level: Religion, Violence, and Terror

This course will study critical theories about the role of religion in acts of terrorism and violence. Through the examination of a range of case studies, this course will explore ways in which religion has been the motivation and justification behind violent conflict, aggression, and persecution.

400/500 Level: Mormonism in American History and Culture 

This course explores the emergence of Mormonism and its uniquely “American” place within American history. Being neither Protestant nor Catholic, Mormonism plays an enigmatic role within the larger scope of American religious history. Never shy of controversy, Mormonism serves as a dynamic lens to think about larger questions that pertain to American religion and identity. Analyzing primary sources with contemporary scholarship, this class examines social, theological, political, economic, and sexual dynamics in American life from the nineteenth century to the present day.

Other Courses Taught 

• Comparative Religion
• Christian Scriptures (New Testament)
• Introduction to Christianity
• Mysticism: West
• Ritual, Myth, and Symbol
• Introduction to Religion