RELS 258-01 and 02, American Sacred Space, Fall 2004

Abstract

This course will introduce students to sacred spaces of the United States through the study of spatial theories and investigation of particular places regarded as sacred. Our explorations will include not only churches and other more traditionally religious spaces, but also places of national importance, of cultural interest, and of personal attachment. We will consider throughout the course what makes a place sacred—are there criteria for determining the sacrality of place? The importance of experience will be emphasized in field trips to sacred sites in Memphis.