Students will each write a short paper (1500 words / six pages) on the role that religion plays in some contemporary controversy.   There are many possibilities:

• Religion in American politics
• Religion and science
• Religion and sexuality
• Religious terrorism
• New religious movements
• Religion on the Internet
• Religion and the environment
• Islamophobia
• etc.

This project involves outside research.  The paper should summarize the issue, describe some of the details, and indicate its significance both for religion and for society as a whole.

Students can expect to be asked to share their findings informally with the class.