From Rap churches to Sikh policemen, from Buddhist meditation in prisons to Latinos converting to Islam, this course explores contemporary religious pluralism in America, along with the expression of sacred meaning within a context of religious diversity; in particular, what scholars call "lived religion." Some of our topics will include: an historical perspective of religious pluralism in America; post-9/11 challenges; religion on the internet; manifestations of, and encounters with, religious diversity and difference; inter/intra religious cooperation and confrontation; and tensions between religious and secular authority. Our modes of inquiry will include fieldwork (e.g., participant/observer study; site visits on your own), critical self-reflection, and a review of current and past news and contemporary scholarly literature.