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RELS 355 Religion and Politics in America

Historically, religion has been a basic dimension of American political life, despite the American tradition of separation of church and state. Today, some fear an erosion of that separation, while others complain that we live in a "culture of disbelief" where religion is not respected. This course takes an historical approach to several controversies surrounding religious belief, religious practice and religious diversity in industrial America, placing these controversies in the context of their time and place. Students learn how the relationship between religion and politics has changed, and how it has not, through the last century of American history. Students of diverse religious backgrounds are most welcome, but a respect for the beliefs of others is a condition of participation. Overlap: HIST 331/531 Religion and Politics in America and RELS 555 Religion and Politics in America.

Special information

Overlap: HIST 331/531 Religion and Politics in America and RELS 555 Religion and Politics in America.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective February 3, 2000 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Can examine, articulate and reflect upon one¿s own ethical views as these relate to the historical development of religion and American society, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
  • Can discuss religiously-based political differences in American society in an historically-informed and civil fashion, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
  • Recognizes the diversity of religious-ethical traditions in American history, e.g. among Americans of different races, regions, national origins and classes, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility

  • Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
  • Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.
  • Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.
  • Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.
  • Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Spring 2026

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Religion and Politics in America Rossinow, Douglas C Books for RELS-355-50 Spring 2026 Course details for RELS-355-50 Spring 2026