Spring 2023 Religion BC3216 section 001

Religious Histories of New York City

Religious Histories of NY

Call Number 00192
Day & Time
Location
T 4:10pm-6:00pm
214 Milbank Hall (Barnard)
Points 4
Grading Mode Standard
Approvals Required None
Instructor Gale L Kenny
Type SEMINAR
Course Description

This class examines different religious histories of New York City from the early 1800s through the 1950s. We will explore how different religious traditions were shaped by the city and its diversity, and how those people and institutions left their imprints on the city we live in today. The first half of the semester focuses on intersecting themes of religion and capitalism, religion and gender and sexuality, and on the social dynamics of the city’s symbolic meanings as place of refuge and liberation (for domestic and foreign migrants) or as a locus of sin in need of moral reform. The second half of the semester turns to case studies of different neighborhoods including Harlem, the Lower East Side, Williamsburg, and Flushing. How did different religious communities conceptualize “the neighborhood” in relation to the larger city, and how did they grapple with diversity and change? Students will also be introduced to archival collections of the East Harlem Protestant Parish and several settlement houses located at the Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary and at Butler Library.

Web Site Vergil
Department Religion @Barnard
Enrollment 19 students (20 max) as of 8:05PM Thursday, March 28, 2024
Subject Religion
Number BC3216
Section 001
Division Barnard College
Campus Barnard College
Section key 20231RELI3216X001