The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

       Our purpose is to understand the diversity and distinctiveness of religion in America by exploring how it developed historically and how it is lived in our own time. In association with the Harvard Pluralism Project and using a variety of methods, we will try to comprehend what it means to be a believer in a pluralist society.

Resources

America: Religions and Religion 3rd ed. by Catherine L. Albanese
       The basic text, available from the Bookstore
CD-ROM: On Common Ground
       Installed for use in Olin Library
Other Web-Sites as workshops develop
3 Visitations to churches, temples or religious centers

Class Participation

       A major aspect of the learning experience in this course will be our participation in the Harvard Pluralism Project which is discovering and describing the new features of the American religious landscape. Part of our plan in understanding religion in American today will be on-site visits to churches, temples or religious centers. These may be on a Friday afternoon or evening or a Sunday morning. Each student is required to make three such visits. One may be of a familiar religious tradition; two are to be of traditions distinctively different from one's own. A 3-5 page journal reflection about what is seen and experienced will be due at the next class session. Further, each student is to complete a profile of one religious group using the Pluralism Project report form.

       Class discussions of the variety of American religious traditions aim to comprehend the overall context of our subject, using Albanese's classic text. Reading assignments are listed.

       A term paper is required, on a particular feature of American religion which can be described and analyzed in at least two religious traditions. 8-10 pages; due April 20.