REL 331 - Religious Communes in America

America has been the host for an exceptional number of communes and utopias, both religious and secular. Rejecting what they see as the norms of American culture, such communities are attempts to create alternative societies through group living, collective economics, and the reorganization of interpersonal relationships. Through the lens of intentional communities, this course introduces students to a wide range of minority religions and subcultures in American society, and to the rich history of these social experiments, which often have been misunderstood because of their distinct beliefs and practices. Topics include the historic context for communal experimentation, enforcement of social norms, and relations with dominant society.

Prerequisites & Notes: Junior or senior status; or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
GUR Attributes: BCGM