This course sheds historical light on the concept of secularism as the basis for the study of contemporary political points of contention, such as the spread of religious affairs into the public sphere, the rise of fundamentalism, and minority rights. The class examines and questions the self-image of the West as a secularist society by focusing on various criticisms of this self-understanding---and of the notion of secularism itself. Readings include Kant, Hegel, Carl Schmitt, Karl Lowith, Hans Blumenberg, Talal Asad, and Charles Taylor. Assignments will include one class presentation on a particular reading, one short paper (3-5 pages) on a particular reading, six 200/250-word response papers for 6 different readings, and one final paper (7-9 pages). NREL 3700 was formerly listed as NPHI2400; it is the same course and cannot be taken twice for credit.