American Religion
American Religion In this course we will explore religion in the Americas with a focus on the United States. Relying on a metaphor from linguistics, we will trace how an American religious “grammar” emerged from colonial contact zones and then assess how capitalism, denominationalism, and secularism shaped that grammar during the ensuing centuries. Extending the metaphor, we will seek to understand how different actors “spoke” American religion to shape society, make sense of the world, and harness natural and supernatural power. We will cover American variations on the traditions of Buddhism, indigenous religion, Christianity, African diasporic religion, folk spirituality, and Islam. 3 hrs lect, 1 hr. disc.
American Religion In this course we will explore religion in the Americas with a focus on the United States. Relying on a metaphor from linguistics, we will trace how an American religious “grammar” emerged from colonial contact zones and then assess how capitalism, denominationalism, and secularism shaped that grammar during the ensuing centuries. Extending the metaphor, we will seek to understand how different actors “spoke” American religion to shape society, make sense of the world, and harness natural and supernatural power. We will cover American variations on the traditions of Buddhism, …Read more
(Fall 2022) Dr. Doran is hands down one of the best professors I have ever had. Every assignment is crafted in a way that is intended for you to learn something directly or acquire a skill. The readings can be a bit long compared to other humanities courses but are manageable and almost always super interesting. The lectures are spellbinding and make crazy connections that make you question the way you think about the world. There is a fair amount of work, with required weekly discussions with a partner about the reading, writing persuasive essays until you get an A, a major vocational project that you get to choose out of four choices, and a midterm and final exam. But these all contribute to your learning in a very positive way. Take a class with Dr. Doran, you won't regret it.
(Fall 2022) Dr. Doran is hands down one of the best professors I have ever had. Every assignment is crafted in a way that is intended for you to learn something directly or acquire a skill. The readings can be a bit long compared to other humanities courses but are manageable and almost always super interesting. The lectures are spel …Read more
Dr. Doran teaches the class like a history course, which I personally have really enjoyed. We focus on religious groups throughout history (and their impact on American Religion) rather than diving deeply into religious beliefs and philosophies. Some important things to know: the weekly readings can be pretty long/dense and there is a no technology policy in class (all notes have to be handwritten unless you have an exemption). That said, Dr. Doran is a very enthusiastic teacher and clearly loves to talk about the course content.
Dr. Doran teaches the class like a history course, which I personally have really enjoyed. We focus on religious groups throughout history (and their impact on American Religion) rather than diving deeply into religious beliefs and philosophies. Some important things to know: the weekly readings can be pretty long/dense and there is …Read more
Dr. Doran is a very understanding and enthusiastic professor. He explained once that he teaches his lectures like a story and that makes a lot of sense, the lectures are pretty engaging. Discussions are pretty well-structured too. He makes a point to talk about current events going on in the world often and tying it to the material or just our lives as students which I think made the class that much better. Theres a few papers throughout the course of the class but all pretty manageable and he's a very fair grader.
Dr. Doran is a very understanding and enthusiastic professor. He explained once that he teaches his lectures like a story and that makes a lot of sense, the lectures are pretty engaging. Discussions are pretty well-structured too. He makes a point to talk about current events going on in the world often and tying it to the material o …Read more
Doran is a bit misorganized at times, which led to some frustration because he would take a very long time to grade anything. Also, sometimes the material was very interesting, but at other times class would drag on, and it was hard to focus because Doran tends to ramble a lot. The class was not difficult at all, and most people only have to write one paper. Honestly, exam days with the possibility to argue answers were my favorite days of the class.
Doran is a bit misorganized at times, which led to some frustration because he would take a very long time to grade anything. Also, sometimes the material was very interesting, but at other times class would drag on, and it was hard to focus because Doran tends to ramble a lot. The class was not difficult at all, and most people only …Read more
Dr. Doran does a great job teaching this class, especially in his lectures and discussions. He teaches this class with a broad, historical perspective that allows for a focus on individual religions in that process. The exams in this class are unique in their format, allowing students to defend their answers and earn credit. Dr. Doran also does a great job of uncovering myths and misinformation about religion in America. Overall, this course has exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend it to others.
Dr. Doran does a great job teaching this class, especially in his lectures and discussions. He teaches this class with a broad, historical perspective that allows for a focus on individual religions in that process. The exams in this class are unique in their format, allowing students to defend their answers and earn credit. Dr. Dora …Read more