Introduction


This curriculum guide is designed to explore the diverse ways in which religion has influenced the course of American history at the national, state, and local levels.  The guide provides sample curriculum materials that may be used at different grade levels.

Each unit focuses on a specific time period and is organized in outline form.  Key themes and ideas form the major points of the outline.  A brief narrative accompanies most themes or ideas, providing a context.  Themes and sub-themes are further divided into sections on the United States, Indiana, and Indianapolis.  Each section includes recommended readings, and suggested resources such as archival collections, historic sites, museums, and Web sites. The sections for Indiana and Indianapolis include selected documents that illustrate how national themes were expressed at the state and local levels.

We hope this curriculum guide contributes to a larger appreciation for the role of religion in our national, state, and local histories.



Acknowledgements