HIST3329 - History of Religion in America

The 69th New York holds religious services, 1861

Dr. Brian Regal

Professor for the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine

Department of History, LHAC 212

email: bregal@kean.edu

Course Description:

In depth study of the impact of religion on America from pre-colonial times to the present Special consideration to intersection of politics and religion. Attention given to contemporary sources and modern interpretations. Particular topics might include: Native American spirituality, Puritanism, the Great Awakening, the Enlightenment, Revivalism, the rise of denominationalism, the emergence of sects and cultures.

Course Objectives:

For students to develop an understanding of the interaction of religion and history in America. To gain and understanding of how religion was used to establish the U.S. To understand how religion is perceived in the constitution and how this role is even more complex now than at the founding of the Republic. To understand and think critically about the popular role of religion and how it impacts the daily lives of all Americans.

• Syllabus (NOTE: the syllabus is subject to change over the course of the semester).

Required readings:

Edwin Gaustad & Leigh Schmidt. The Religious History of America, rev. ed. (HarperOne, 2002): 978-0-06-063056-0. Additional required scholarly article and original text readings, below.

• Some words history students should know

• Jonathan Edwards

• Jefferson's 'separation' letter

• Butler on the Occult in American history

• Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy

• Book of Mormon excerpt

• Maria Monk

• Intelligent Design/Monkey Trials

• Snake Handler video (2 minutes)

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On-Line resources:

• National Museum of American History, American Religious History page