Professor Jacobson has designed a new course, P&G 353, Religion in American Politics. Here is the description:
This course looks at the interaction between
religion and politics in the United States and questions conventional
understandings about that relationship. What does separation between church and
state mean? How has religion formed our national identity? What role does
religion play in our political debates and what role should it play? How does
religious identity influence public opinion, voting or other political
activity? And how has politics influenced or shaped religious communities?
We begin the course looking closely at some of these
large framing questions. We then turn to the role of religion in the political
development of the United States focusing on the religious influence on
political or social movements throughout US history. Looking at history enables
us to better understand the role of religion in contemporary politics. In the
second half of the course, we explore the contemporary moment and look at
individuals, institutions, and public policies. First we look at how individual
political behavior is impacted by religion. Next we look at the relationship
through institutions, both political and religious institutions. (During this
section of the course students will engage in primary research that will form
the basis for their research papers.) Finally, with a firmer grounding in the
history and theoretical views about religion and politics and empirical
understandings about the influence on individuals and institutions, we will
turn to particular contemporary policy issues. We will explore the influence of
religion on our political dialogue and outcomes, as well as look at the
influence those debates are having on religious identities.
Students should walk away from the course being able
to talk about the relationship between church and state or religion and
politics with a firm historical and empirical grounding. With deeper insight
about the role of religion, students should be able to more fully analyze
complex political phenomenon. Students
will also walk away with experience in primary research, leading class
discussion and engaging in debates. Students should improve their skills in
evidence based argumentation. Because discussions about religion and politics
can be sensitive issues, students will also be exposed to ways to engage
diversity and conflict responsibly.
