Case Initiative
Case Initiative
An examination of religious diversity and interfaith relations through decision-based case studies and participant-centered discussions
About the Case Initiative
In 2005, the Pluralism Project began an experiment to creatively apply the case method to the dilemmas and disputes of multireligious America. How might this pedagogy change the way we teach—and how students learn? Since that time, we have developed a small library of decision-based cases, hosted convenings on case teaching, and collaborate with those seeking to integrate the case method in their own classroom. Together, we are applying the case method—both the participant-centered pedagogy and decision-based case studies—to teaching and learning about religion in America. Our primary texts are the dilemmas and disputes that emerge in our multi-religious society. The volume Pluralism in Practice (Orbis 2023) is a collection of key case studies, including new cases and updated versions of our most-requested cases.
Adding Eid
Jeff Young, the incoming superintendent of schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is asked to add Eid to the public school calendar. What are his options?
A Call to Prayer
As a request to broadcast the call to prayer in the tiny city of Hamtramck, Michigan becomes a matter of public debate, how will city council president Karen Majewski--and the diverse citizens of Hamtramck--respond?
Center of Dispute
Daisy Khan must navigate a growing crisis when a planned Muslim Community Center becomes known as the "Ground Zero Mosque."
The "Christmas Tree Crisis" at Sea-Tac Airport
After a controversy over the Christmas tree display at Sea-Tac Airport, a Holiday Decorations Advisory Committee is appointed to make a recommendation: what form should next year’s display take?
The Cross at Wren Chapel
When Gene Nichol, president of the College of William & Mary, removes a cross from the historic chapel it triggers a contentious debate: how to honor tradition and create an inclusive campus?
Cultivating Change
Tom Spencer is the newly-hired CEO of a struggling Austin interfaith organization. With the organization “bleeding money,” is it time to close the doors or take a closer look at the organization’s purpose and brand?
Driven by Faith
Steve Wareham, an airport director in Minnesota, must respond to conflicting demands of customer service for passengers and religious accommodation for taxi cab drivers.
Fliers at the Peace Parade
In El Sobrante, California, Pastor Kent Brandenburg distributes fliers at a Sikh parade as an expression of his evangelical Christian faith; to the Sikhs, and some others in El Sobrante, it is an affront.
The House on Sixth Street
A house in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is vandalized with anti-Muslim epithets and death threats. How will local citizens respond?
Featured Publication
Pluralism in Practice features twelve decision-based case studies by Pluralism Project research director Elinor Pierce. This accessible collection includes new case studies and updated versions of our most frequently-requested cases, as well as brief scenarios, discussion questions, and guidance on case teaching from Diana Eck.
Our case protagonists are religious, civic, and community leaders from diverse communities—Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh—who navigate change, respond to crisis and challenge, and seek constructive answers to key questions in contemporary multireligious America.
About the Case Method
A selection of materials on the case method of teaching in Religious Studies and other fields. Of special interest are teaching guidelines from our colleagues at the Harvard Business School.
Other Cases & Materials
A curated collection of case studies and other materials that may be taught as cases. Of special interest are selected news articles that may supplement, or function as, case studies.