Religion continues to be a site of conflict, confusion and controversy. It maintains a space in the modern world that is either perceived as a source of peace and morality or as an unnecessary and obsolete source of conflict. In this course, students will discuss the many facets of religion in a globalizing world. We will examine why religion persists in its various forms across the globe. In addition, we will analyze the ways that religion interacts and engages within the public realm, in both positive and negative formats. Identity, politics, gender, technology, and media are just a few of the places where we will find religion and religious influence.