Religious Diversity in and Beyond Higher Education: Building a Common Good Through Religious Pluralism

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30

Session Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

The United States is one of the most religiously devout and diverse countries in the world. Although some see this diversity as an asset, others see it as a substantial barrier to social cohesion if not a direct threat to public safety. For those who seek to promote interfaith cooperation and religious pluralism, higher education provides a critical lever of change. Colleges and universities are model civic communities. The lessons students learn in these communities will shape their approach to religious diversity after graduation. Presenters in this session will explore the role of American higher education in preparing students for civic membership in a religiously diverse democracy from a variety of perspectives, including empirical research, analytic frames, and specific pedagogies.

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education / Division J - Section 6: Society, Culture, and Change

Chair

• Michael D. Waggoner, University of Northern Iowa

Papers

• Exploring Institutional and Student Engagement With Religious Diversity in Higher Education - Ben Correia, Interfaith Youth Core

• Learnings From the Quad: Leadership Practices for Promoting Interfaith Cooperation in Higher Education - Brendan Randall, Interfaith Youth Core

• A Common Vision for the Common Good: Religious Liberty and Religious Literacy in American Education - Charles C. Haynes, Religious Freedom Center; Nate Walker, Religious Freedom Center, Newseum Institute

• Religion and Encounter in the Public Sphere: Using the Case Method in Religious Studies - Whittney Barth, Pluralism Project at Harvard University

• Illuminating Postcolonial Pedagogy Through Kuchipudi Dance for Diverse Democracies in Higher Education - Sabrina D. MisirHiralall, Montclair State University