Course Info

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Course Info for RELG - 236 - 01, Spring 2026
Class number: 2672 Title: Sacred Struggles Department: Religious Studies
Career: Undergraduate Component: Seminar Session: Regular
Instructor's Permission Required: No Grading Basis: Regular Units: 1.00
Enrollment limited to 19 Current enrollment: 22 Available seats: 0
Start date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 End date: Friday, May 8, 2026 Mode of Instruction: In Person
Schedule: MW: 10:00AM-11:15AM, MC - 225 Instructor(s): Koertner, Mareike
Prerequisite(s): None
Distribution Requirement: Meets Humanities & Identity Power Equity Req
Course Description:
Race and religion shape the identity of the individual and its surrounding society. But how do they do that? How do race and religion intersect? What role have they played in shaping our politics, cultures, and values? Do race and religion still matter today? This course looks at the ways race and religion have impacted the U.S. Among the many topics we will cover are the role race and religion impact immigration policy and ultimately U.S. demographics; the role religion played in justifying and objecting to slavery and the treatment of Native Americans; the emergence of black religious movements and the Civil Rights Movement; and contemporary issues. Students who have taken FYSM 187 may not receive credit for this course.