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Is there a Future for the Study of Religion at American Universities? A Content Analysis of Selected Higher Education Institutions
Title
Is there a Future for the Study of Religion at American Universities? A Content Analysis of Selected Higher Education Institutions.
Creator
Wolfe, Kathryn A., Graduate College
Abstract/Description
The researcher began to notice that religion and religious studies courses were starting to disappear off of course lists and that religion as a discipline was not as prevalent in many university departments. Additionally, noting from her teaching experience at various universities, the study and approach to teaching religion differed at the type of institution it was and the mission of that university. Therefore, this study aimed at discovering just how religion is taught in institutions of...
Show moreThe researcher began to notice that religion and religious studies courses were starting to disappear off of course lists and that religion as a discipline was not as prevalent in many university departments. Additionally, noting from her teaching experience at various universities, the study and approach to teaching religion differed at the type of institution it was and the mission of that university. Therefore, this study aimed at discovering just how religion is taught in institutions of higher education at selected universities in the United States of America.
The rationale behind this study was twofold: first, to determine if religion is currently being taught at selected institutions of higher education in the U.S. and second, how the instruction and teaching of religion is approached within these institutions. And so, the purpose of this study was to determine if universities are still teaching religion and religious studies courses; if so, what are the structures and approaches that are used when teaching religion at both top-tiered and southeastern universities; and what are the similarities and differences between the two aforementioned types of institutions’ programs. Thus, we may infer from the data whether or not there is a future for these programs within higher education in the U.S.

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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005173
Format
Document (PDF)
Aspiring to a Higher Education: Students’ Perception of Christian Campus Culture at Selected Christian
Title
Aspiring to a Higher Education: Students’ Perception of Christian Campus Culture at Selected Christian.
Creator
Wolfe, Kathryn A., Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description
This mixed methods research study explored students’ perceptions of Christian campus culture at three Christian institutions of higher education. The aim of this study was threefold: to comprehend why students want to obtain an education within a Christian campus culture; to understand students’ perceptions of and experiences with the Christian campus culture at their Christian university/college; and to decipher the presence of predominant characteristics of Christian campus culture at all...
Show moreThis mixed methods research study explored students’ perceptions of Christian campus culture at three Christian institutions of higher education. The aim of this study was threefold: to comprehend why students want to obtain an education within a Christian campus culture; to understand students’ perceptions of and experiences with the Christian campus culture at their Christian university/college; and to decipher the presence of predominant characteristics of Christian campus culture at all three Christian institutions. Qualitative and quantitative data demonstrated that while many students attend their Christian institution due to personal conviction or their Christian identity, other students attend their Christian university or college because it was the best financial decision for them. Additionally, students often indicated that there was not one sole reason for their choice of school, but a combination of various factors that influenced their decision. Additionally, this research study was able to gain insight into students’ perceptions and experiences with Christian campus culture. Interestingly, the major components that were vital to each research site’s environment were present at all three research sites. Therefore, while each institution varied in size, student population, and location, the most frequently noted characteristics were seen at all three Christian institutions. Students often described their environment, the “bubble,” as limiting but safe. However, students also mentioned that the sense of community that they felt within their Christian campus culture encouraged them to interact with people—students, professors, and staff—that were invested in them academically, socially, and spiritually. Students also noted that their institutions make a conscious effort to create an academic environment that integrates faith and learning. In both the quantitative and qualitative data, students pointed to Bible classes and chapel as evidence of their institution’s integration of faith and learning (IFL). Upon further discussion, the participants stated that IFL was often in the way that their professors taught and interacted with them. While IFL remained an integral part of students’ experience with Christian campus culture, students continued to emphasize their invested professors as quintessential features not just in the classroom but also throughout their Christian campus environment.
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Date Issued
2016
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004715, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004715
Subject Headings
Christian education -- Philosophy, Christian universities and colleges -- United States, Christianity and culture, Education, Higher -- Religious aspects, Education, Higher -- Social aspects, Universities and colleges -- Religion
Format
Document (PDF)