Honors
HNRS 178-01: Empire: Is America the New Rome?
According to Hardt and Negri, “The concept of Empire is
characterized fundamentally by a lack of boundaries: Empire’s rule has no
limits.”It is destiny driven, spatially
inclusive, norm setting – and self-legitimating.Some would claim that the United States
has functioned as an empire for some time and that is its destiny.This means it exercises sufficient power –
politically and economically – so that nation-states and the international
order serve the interests of sectors within our country.In America the prevailing religious
tradition has been and continues to be both a legitimator and a
de-legitimator.Whether or not the
welfare and well-being of the world community is served is subject to debate.
We will
begin by considering two scholars who argue from opposite polls. One contends that over the long history of
the nation, America
has been responding to a providential call from the Judeo-Christian God. The other argues that that very religious
tradition needs to be disentangled from the phenomenon of empire.Second, we will focus on two scriptural
studies which explore the struggle with empire and consider that a lens for
decoding what is happening in the 21st century. Through the Gospels and a
Pauline letter the struggle with empire will be framed. Third, we will think about terrorism as an
instrument of empire and how it relates to religion. Attention will be given to the justification
of violence and the role of the religious right in authorizing it. Fourth, we will think about the ways in which
the economy serves to establish empire and sustain its power. The effects of globalization and the prospect
of an alterative paradigm of exchange will be subject to theological
reflection.Fifth, we will consider
how race, class, and gender are affected by empire.The linkage between forms of oppression and
the consequences for theology will be explored. Finally, a research project will explore resisting empire, indeed,
whether or not that needs to happen, and rebellion vs. complicity from the
setting of a student’s major In sum, the course is a theological critique of
the role of America
in the international community.
Spring Term: 2008
Credits: 4
Fulfills: GE Requirement in Humanities (U)
Cross-listed: REL-340-01
Meeting times: 1:30-2:20 MWF
Instructor: David O. Woodyard
Open to: First-years/Sophomores/Jrs/Srs with a quota of 2FY/5Soph/5Jr/4Sr
