Reading Religious Conversion: Analyzing Narratives of Identity

Understanding how individuals transition between religious worlds offers profound insights into human identity, community boundaries, and cultural history. This course invites you to explore the rich, diverse world of conversion narratives from different eras and global traditions. Through close readings of historical and contemporary texts, you will develop the analytical skills to decode how shifting allegiances are documented, how social borders are negotiated, and how personal transformations shape broader cultural landscapes. What you'll learn: - Analyze historical and modern conversion stories from diverse global traditions. - Understand the psychological, social, and cultural factors that drive religious transformation. - Examine how conversion narratives establish, challenge, or redraw community boundaries. - Identify key literary and rhetorical patterns used to document spiritual journeys. - Apply modern sociological frameworks to interpret historical shifts in faith and identity. - Explore how modern digital narratives compare to classical conversion texts. The journey begins with foundational definitions of conversion and identity before moving into the close analysis of specific historical texts. You will read and reflect on diverse narratives, tracing common themes of belonging, exile, and self-discovery through structured written exercises. Designed for beginners, this course requires no prior background in religious studies, history, or literary analysis. Start reading today to uncover the powerful stories that have shaped global religious history.