Mary Kay Schueneman
Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion
Email: mschueneman@middlebury.edu
Phone: work802.443.5505
Office Hours: Winter Term: by appointment; Spring Semester: Tuesdays 10:00-12:00
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Professor Cavazos teaches courses in African American Religion and US Religion and Culture. Her research interests include the intersections of race, gender and sexuality in religious expression and practice. Professor Cavazos' current research focuses on the vision and practice of Christian missionary service among 20th century African American women as a vehicle for race reform activism.
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
RELI 0170 / AMST 0170 / HIST 0170 - Religion in America
Religion in America AR
America often has been defined paradoxically as both the "most religious" and "least religious" of nations. This course, a historical survey of American religious life, will trace the unique story of American religion from colonial times to the present. Guiding our exploration will be the ideas of "contact," "conflict," and "combination." Along the way, we will examine the varieties of religious experiences and traditions that have shaped and been shaped by American culture such as, Native American traditions, Puritan life and thought, evangelicalism, immigration, African-American religious experience, women's movements, and the on-going challenges of religious diversity. Readings include sermons, essays, diaries and fiction, as well as secondary source material. 2 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.
Fall 2009
RELI 0272 - African Amer Religious History
African American Religious History AR
This course offers an introduction to African American religious experiences in the United States. We will look at religious practices "imported" from Africa, slave religion, the growth of independent black denominations, the Back to Africa movement, black “new religious movements” (such as Garveyism and the Nation of Islam), and the religious dimensions of the Civil Rights Movement. As we explore the influence of forced immigration, slavery, gender, segregation and freedom movements on the shape of African Americans' religious experiences, three questions will inform our discussion. What is "African" about African American religions? As a group excluded from many of the freedoms of American society, what is "American" in African American religious experiences? How are notions of religion and religious practice nuanced when applied to these particular cultural contexts? 3 hrs. lect.
Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2013
RELI 0310 - Issue in Mod Religious Thought
American Religion and Mass Media
Are mass media “tools of Satan” that will corrupt morals? Are they part of the divine plan to cultivate a moral community? Focusing on the 20th century, we will explore the interplay of religious individuals and groups and developing media technologies. What were the historical contexts evoking varied responses and uses of print and electronic media? Does the consumption of religious media privatize religion, or does it require new ways of envisioning community? In discussing these and other questions we will discover the ways in which American religion was shaped by media and how media was shaped by religion.
Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Winter 2011
RELI 0370 / AMST 0370 - Seminar in American Religion
Seminar in American Religion: AR, WT
Topic is determined by the instructor - refer to section for the course description.
Fall 2009, Fall 2010
RELI 0390 / WAGS 0390 - Seminar in Religious Ethics
Seminar in Religious Ethics: ET, WT
Topic is determined by the instructor - refer to section for the course description.
Spring 2012
RELI 0500 - Independent Research
Independent Research
(Approval Required)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013
RELI 0601 - Senior Project in Religion
Senior Project
(Approval Required)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011
RELI 0700 - Senior Project in Religion
Senior Project
(Approval Required)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Winter 2013, Spring 2013
RELI 0701 - Senior Thesis in Religion
RELI 1020 - Meaning in Ordinary Time
Giving Meaning to Ordinary Time: Exploring the Jewish Sacred Calendar
Beginning with an overview of the history and evolution of Jewish culture and religion, we will examine the holy days and holidays of Judaism. We will study selected celebrations in terms of their development and practice, and their role in expressing a theology and system of values. We will explore themes such as the human condition and its challenges; forgiveness, repentance, and atonement; celebration; the tension between historical memory and spiritual reinterpretation; and the function of holidays in society. We will also examine contemporary issues of gender, emerging practices, and the portrayal of religious holidays in pop culture. This course counts as elective credit towards the Religion major.
Winter 2010