Secularism: An Introduction
RELI 271
Fall 2018 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
REES 216 |
This course traces the idea and ideal of secularism as an ideological project from classic Enlightenment texts to its contemporary incarnations. We begin with philosophical arguments for the separation of church and state as well as the utopian ideals of secular humanism. We then trace how these underpinnings were embodied in state-sponsored atheism in the Soviet Union, in contrast to liberal democratic principles in the U.S. and Europe. Finally, we examine critiques of the secular project, focusing on secularism as a realpolitik approach to governing multi-religious societies and the idea of religious freedom as a universal human right. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS RELI |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (EDST)(REES-MN)(REES-Social Sci)(RELI-MN)(RELI)(STS) |
Major Readings:
Mill, John Stuart, THE UTILITY OF RELIGION
Marx, Karl, ON RELIGION (John Raines ed.)
Martin Luther, ON SECULAR AUTHORITY
John Locke, LETTER ON TOLERATION
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Examinations and Assignments:
Readings, reading responses, class participation, 3 essays. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course fulfills the "Historical Traditions" requirement for the Religion Department major. |
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