This course presents an intellectual history of the category “religion.” It poses questions such as: What do scholars do when they study religion? What questions do they ask themselves? How do they identify the objects of their study? How do they analyze those objects into component parts, developing categories special to the field of religious studies? Why do scholars study religion and what are their goals?

The class exams the category “religion” in two ways. The first six weeks attend to the history of the term, focusing upon the development of religion’s contemporary significance within the Protestant Reformation and Enlightenment. Here we will also question what it means to be “modern.” Our readings during this section of the class will draw from theology, philosophy, political theory, and post-colonial critique.

The last four weeks then focus on the play of religion in contemporary America. Here, questions may include: TBA

There are no prerequisites for RELI 110A. However, because this course is required for the major and minor in the Program for the Study of Religion, PSR students will receive preferential admission to the class.