Welcome

This web site is designed to enhance Adrian College's Religion 316 course. The course is designed to help students preparing for careers in the public sector in general and, more particularly, those entering the educational profession at the elementary and secondary levels. It also supports Adrian College's teacher endorsement program in the teaching of religion in public schools as recognized by the Michigan Department of Education certification program. Please explore the site. I welcome your comments and suggestions. You may reach me through e-mail at the address at the top of this page.

Course Description

An exploration of the legal issues related to professional educators and the place and role of religion in the public schools; the diversity of religious traditions within school communities; and religious perspectives that students and parents may bring into the public school setting. Also appropriate for students seeking employment in the public sector.

Instructor

Dr. Fritz Detwiler has spent over a decade researching issues related to religion in the public sphere and, more specifically, religion and public education. He has been a consultant to national and state professional organizations and has conducted workshops for local school districts throughout the nation. As a keynote speaker, he has addressed national and statewide forums on religion and public education. His most recent book, Standing on the Premises of God: The Christian Right's Fight to Redefine America's Public Schools, explores most of the religious issues that confront public education today. For six years, Dr. Detwiler also wrote a column on issues related to religion and politics for a local newspaper.