This course surveys the history, practices, and denominations of the contemporary Pagan (Neo-Pagan) movement in the US. The course aims to support students venturing into interreligious work, Pagan ministries or Pagan academic studies, and ministries incorporating contemporary Paganism into other ecumenical settings (Unitarian Universalist or other inclusive traditions), as well as students who simply want to learn about Paganism as a world religion. The course encourages critical thinking regarding defining "Paganism" and invites challenges to the academic field of contemporary Pagan studies, such as regarding the "contemporary Pagan" versus "Neo-Pagan" debates.

Summer 2022, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (online)

Click for syllabus.

This course explores the controversial movement of Scientology from a religious studies perspective. Seeking an answer to the question of the course, we consider existing theories about what characteristics constitute and define religion, practices in the Scientology movement including ritual effects as described by practitioners, and humanitarian efforts from Scientologists. As one of several data collection points, students will volunteer with Community United, a program serving at-risk youth that is informed by L. Ron Hubbard’s moral guide. This course aims to look beyond the abundant anti-Scientology media and consider perspectives of persons involved with the Scientology movement in a critical intellectual analysis of the movement as well as of the category of religion

Library Guide (assistance from Melanie Sellar)

This course examines what makes ethnography an ideal method for studying religion and religious cultures. How might participant-observation round out knowledge from research into written text and religious/social history? How does ethnography assist researchers in understanding the relationship between religious rites and kinship? In addition to learning about the "classics" in religion and ethnography, students may explore subdisciplines, such as visual ethnography and theological anthropology. The course discusses how the study of religion and ethnography might contribute to careers in journalism, filmmaking, and others. In hands-on independent projects, students practice taking field notes, writing ethnographic reports, and sharing their work with classmates.