Conversation with Stephen Prothero. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prothero, Stephen; Gallagher, Eugene V.; Pearson, Thomas; Robinson, Joanne; Stortz, Martha E.
• Is Part Of: Teaching theology & religion. Volume 19:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 389
• Page End: 407
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: religious literacy -- teaching assistants -- discussion in large lecture classes -- goals of undergraduate study of religion -- engaging students' religious beliefs; Religion -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Theology -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 200.71
• DOI: 10.1111/teth.12354
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4868

Abstract

Abstract: This interview was recorded and transcribed in November 2015. Stephen Prothero is a professor of religious studies at Boston University, where he has taught since 1996. His publications include several that directly address teaching about religion, most notably Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know – and Doesn't, which made an argument regarding K‐12 education. In this manuscript he pulls the conversation into his own undergraduate classrooms – providing a vivid glimpse of his teaching practices, including how he conducts large lecture classes and seminars, how he works with teaching assistants, and how he conducts discussions even in very large courses. He also shares his broader reflections on the nature and importance of religious literacy and its place in American education.