RELN 214 - Cults and Unconventional Religions

Credits: (3)

Instructional Method: Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Three hours of religious studies.
Investigates unconventional religious groups, from colonial Quakers and Puritans to contemporary movements like the Church of Scientology, the Church of Satan, Aum Shinrikyo and the Order of the Solar Temple (among others). Lectures will survey mainline religious and cultural trends salient to the appearance of sects and cults. Students will evaluate social/scientific theories on topics such as brainwashing theory, cult-related violence, conversion and defection, and law enforcement approaches to unconventional religions.