Religious Worlds of New York: Teaching the Everyday Life of American Religious Diversity

FAIN: ES-272474-20

Interfaith Center of New York (New York, NY 10115-0081)
Henry Goldschmidt (Project Director: March 2020 to March 2025)

A three-week institute for 25 teachers on the diversity of religions in the U.S. by way of examining the lived experience of six religions in New York City.

This three week institute offers K-12 teachers an advanced introduction to the religious diversity of the United States, through a rigorous engagement with religious studies scholarship, and with the religious life of New York City. Participants will explore six major religious traditions. They will discuss the constitutional and pedagogic issues surrounding the study of religion in public and private schools. They will meet with diverse religious leaders, visit local houses of worship, participate in a walking tour exploring local religious history, and conduct field research to trace the meanings of “religion” in a diverse New York neighborhood. In addition to these community-based pedagogies, they will also explore classroom strategies for teaching about everyday religious life, including the use of literature and case-study texts. The institute will thus help participants teach their students about the everyday lives of their fellow Americans from diverse faith traditions.