Dr. Whitehead's research engages two primary areas: 1) the philosophical tradition of American pragmatism, its history and contemporary implications, particularly the work of William James and the late twentieth century revival of pragmatism; 2) religion and media studies, with a current project underway on contemporary U.S. evangelicals’ adoption of various new media forms. Within the field of religious studies, she works in the broad area of religion and American culture, using textual analysis to explore ways that religious and cultural discourses intersect and the kinds of public claims that these discourses make, in contexts ranging from philosophical texts, historical documents, legal texts, and popular culture, to media and new technologies. She specializes in the history of Protestant thought in the U.S. from the post-Civil War era to the present.
keywords
religions in the US, American philosophy, religion and media studies, contemporary Christianity, American religious history, religion and popular culture, gender and religion
RLST 2500 - Religions in the United States
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2022 / Summer 2023 / Summer 2024
Explores the development of various religions within the shaping influences of American culture, including separation of church and state, the frontier experience, civil religion, and the interaction of religions of indigenous peoples, immigrants, and African Americans.
RLST 3001 - Modern Christianity: Culture, Politics, Religion
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Studies development of various aspects of global Christian traditions from the Reformation to the present day, as expressed through scripture, theology, ritual, media, politics, ethics, popular culture, and the arts. Includes topics such as colonialism, modernism and liberalism, secularism, pluralism, ecumensim, globalization, and the impact of new technologies. Recommended perquisite: RLST 3000
RLST 4030 - Religions in America
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Studies various religious movements in the U.S. and other parts of the Americas. Includes American religion and religions, religion and nationalism, revitalization and religion and Asian religions in America. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours within a term as topics change. Same as RLST 5030.
RLST 4810 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022
Students write an honors thesis based on independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Required for students who elect departmental honors.
RLST 4820 - Interdisciplinary Seminar on Religion
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2024
Variable topics in religion, drawing from a variety of disciplines and methodologies as they shed light on specific traditions and issues. Recommended requisite: 6 credit hours of religious studies at any level or instructor consent. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Same as RLST 5820.
RLST 4830 - Senior Majors Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Topics and instructors vary. Brings advanced majors together in order to focus their major experience onsignificant topics and issues of common interest.
RLST 5030 - Religions in America
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Studies various religious movements in the U.S. and other parts of the Americas. Includes American religion and religions, religion and nationalism, revitalization and religion and Asian religions in America. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours within a term as topics change. Same as RLST 4030.
RLST 5820 - Interdisciplinary Seminar on Religion
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2024
Variable topics in religion, drawing from a variety of disciplines and methodologies as they shed light on specific traditions and issues. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Same as RLST 4820.
RLST 6940 - Master's Candidate for Degree
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Summer 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Fall 2024
Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.
RLST 6945 - Portfolio: Non-Thesis Option
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022
Course work finished or in the last semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours.
RLST 6950 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
