REL 2203 - Cults, Sects, & New Religions

Credits: 4
An exploration of New Religious Movements (NRMs), more popularly known as sects, cults, and emerging religions. This course surveys various NRMs and explores theories and concepts relevant to the study of NRMs. Students will consider, among other topics, why people join NRMs; what biases and assumptions factor into defining (new) religions; the many dialectical processes shaping NRMs; legal, social, and political issues relating to NRMs; and the impacts of race, class, and gender identities on NRM dynamics.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding