University Bulletin
Undergraduate Degree Programs
AAA S 145
(GH;US;IL)
(RL ST 145)
African American Religion (3) History and significance of the religious dimension of the Black American struggle for equality from enslavement to the contemporary period.
AAA S (RL ST) 145 African American Religion (3)
(GH;US;IL)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
This course is an introduction to African American religion in the U.S. We will investigate the history and significance of the religious dimension of African American life and culture. We will also examine the demographics of race and religious experience. African Americans (the term Black American is also used) have many different religious backgrounds including Protestant, Catholic, Moslem, and others, which are examined in this course. However, since well over 90% of Blacks who have a religious experience and organization are Christian, the history of the Black Christian church and Blacks in the Christian churches in the United States will occupy most of our study. This course will also examine the theological backgrounds of the Black church from the basic Christian documents in the New Testament, to the most widely known Black theologians and the development of "black liberation theology," one of Christian theologies most important contributions. The theology of Martin Luther King, Jr., will be of particular concern. We will also watch videos on the subjects of interest and have a number of guest speakers, including local church pastors and Penn State faculty, talk about the meaning of religion in the Black experience.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.