An excellent introduction to religious studies and should be assigned for students who are enrolled in introductory religious studies or theological courses. It does a wonderful job in tracing the evolution of religion in American higher education and the professionalization of the discipline. The Guide also addresses the contemporary challenges that confront religious studies students in the American academy and concludes with a synopsis of the religion in western civilization starting with Christianity. The Guide only briefly touches on Judaism, Islam, and Orthodox Christianity, so professors will have to supplement the Guide with their own materials. Nonetheless, the Guide should be assigned to freshman who are interested in religious studies programs.
Lehrman American Studies Center at ISI
Home > Catalog > A Student's Guide to Religious…
BOOK
A Student's Guide to Religious Studies
| Author: | Daryl G. Hart |
| URL: | http://www.isi.org/books/bookdetail.aspx?id=cc613953-5524-4973-bb23-10eabe4f078c |
| ISBN: | 1932236589 |
| Publication Info: | (Wilmington: ISI Press) |
The study of religion in American higher education is fraught with difficulties that raise important questions about the nature of faith and the purpose of advanced learning. Although religion has been foundational to some of the United States’ most prestigious universities, religious studies is a relatively recent addition to the liberal arts curriculum. As a result, students often take courses in religion with expectations that exceed what professors can actually deliver. D. G. Hart explores the conundrums of the ambiguous position of religious studies in the academy and offers advice about the best way to approach and benefit from the teaching and study of religion in contexts often hostile to faith.
Lee Trepanier on Dec 16, 2008