Course Syllabus

Reading American Protestantism: Religious Bestsellers

Syllabus 8/25 (Click here to download the Word file)

 

Fall 2014, Mondays 1:00-4:30 PM

S-205 - Bartlet

 

Instructors

Antony Alumkal
Office: Iliff Hall 405
Email: aalumkal@iliff.edu

R. J. Hernández-Díaz
Office: Iliff Hall 102
Email: rhernandez-diaz@iliff.edu


Office Hours

By appointment.

 

Course Synopsis

Reading American Protestantism uses bestselling religious books as a lens through which to think about theological similarities and differences in American Protestantism, the ways in which religious ideas are packaged for popular consumption, and the ways in which different academic disciplines (sociology, history, religious studies, theology, ethics, etc.) can be used to study religious phenomena. The course is designed to build core skills necessary to be a successful student at Iliff, such as basic thesis writing using graduate-level research skills. 

 

Course Description and Objectives

Expectations and Written Assignments

Learning Goals

Policies And Services

 

Books for the Course

Bolz-Weber, Nadia. 2013. Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint. New York: Jericho Books.

Borg, Marcus J. 2003. The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith. San Francisco: HarperSanFranciso.

Jakes, T. D. 2012. Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven. New York: Atria Books.

McLaren, Brian D. 2010. A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that Are Transforming the Faith. San Francisco: HarperOne.

Warren, Rick. 2002. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

 

See Taylor Library's list of online book sellers for purchasing options.

 

Other Course Readings (Click the links to download)

Wellman—Evangelical vs. Liberal

Balmer—Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory

Marti and Ganiel—The Deconstructed Church

Griswold—Culture and Societies in a Changing World

Tinker—“Why I Do Not Believe in a Creator”

Recommended: Hernández-Díaz—"Five Things Iliff Professors Want You to Know About Writing" 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due