America has always been a mix of various peoples and faiths. This course examines the religious traditions that make up the American religious and cultural landscape, focusing on Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. The distinctive ethos and practices of each are explored, along with their presence in the daily news. Extensive use of visual materials, guest speakers, and church and other site visits, as well as firsthand experiences such as the opportunity to observe Buddhist meditation, a Passover Seder, or a Muslim prayer service, assist students in experiencing and examining these religious traditions. Attention is given to the student's understanding of his or her own background in relation to the diversity of religious expression today.