RELS 366 Religion, Morality and Contemporary U.S. Society
The general public seems to agree that despite technological and global change religion remains a pervasive influence on culture. The American society is no exception. Americans from all walks of life continue to reflect on their moral struggle over matters concerning themselves, their family, their community and their environment. Often this includes a call to apply religious values on public policies. This course investigates structures of religious beliefs, values and traditions from both religious left and right and their attempts to become a moral voice of society. The course includes an inquiry why spirituality is the new religion of the new millennium.
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective February 3, 2000 to present
Meets graduation requirements for
Learning outcomes
General
- Ability to engage with others on critical moral issues in a respectful and civil manner.
- Analyze critically the roots of conflicts within and among religious groups.
- Appreciate and assess the religious left and right's attempts to become a moral voice in society.
- Know structural beliefs of the conservative (right) and liberal (left) religious groups on selected and critical issues, i.e. family, sexuality, marriage, interfaith dialogue.
- Recognize emerging spiritual groups and their response to social issues.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts
- Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
- Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
- Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
- Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
- Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.