News & Events
The Department for the Study of Religion is dynamic and frequently has news to share with our community! You can find a collection of all of our most exciting news here on an ongoing basis.
Our department has many ongoing projects and events that you can find in the events tab. Realized publications can be found under the publications tab.
We also have an active social media presence. Check us out on Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
The Department is delighted to congratulate Dr. Margaret MacDonald on her naming as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
She will be inducted on November 8th, 2024 in Vancouver, BC.
Read more about it here.
The State of the Study of Religion in Atlantic Canada 2024
Dr. Kwateng-Yeboah has returned from a conference at the University of New Brunswick where he presented his work on the rise of African Christian Immigrant Communities in Canada (specifically in Halifax, Toronto, and Kingston, Ontario) and their identity formations. It was well-received and sparked valuable discussions among attendees. He reports that the conference was a great success, with scholars from various universities in the region attending.
EuroSEAS Conference 2024
Dr. Alec Soucy will be travelling to the Netherlands from July 23rd to 26th to present his research at the 13th annual European Association for Southeast Asian Studies (EuroSEAS) conference.
The conference will be held at the Roeterseiland Campus at the University of Amsterdam.
Buddhist Studies in Canada—Current Conditions and Future Prospects
Dr. Alec Soucy will take part in a workshop presented by The Centre for Buddhist Studies at McMaster University on May 10th and 11th.
This workshop provides a valuable opportunity for scholars of Buddhism from universities across Canada, as well as recent graduates from Canadian PhD programs, to come together and exchange ideas, share research findings, and discuss teaching methodologies. The aim is to foster collaboration and explore future prospects for Buddhist Studies in Canada.
CASIM x SMU Conference on the Study of Islam and Muslims - Movements
The Department for the Study of Religion is proud to collaborate with the Canadian Association for the Study of Islam and Muslims (CASIM) to present its second biennial conference titled "Movements" from May 23rd to 24th.
Registration is available up to and including the first day of the conference. Click here to register!
International Conference on Religion and Film
In June, SMU Religion goes to Hollywood! Dr. Syed Adnan Hussain and Dr. Lindsay Macumber are presenting at the International Conference on Religion and Film in Hollywood CA. They will each present a paper on American thriller drama, Yellowjackets.
The Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities
Dr. Lindsay Macumber will participate in a three week visiting fellowship at the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College in May 2024. The research she will conduct will support her manuscript on Arendt and monster theory. Her book, contracted through Routledge, is anticipated for 2025.
Witness: Mediating Holocaust Testimony in the Arts
Dr. Lindsay Macumber will travel to the Holocaust Educational Foundation of Northwestern University to participate in an intensive seminar for Holocaust scholars which will focus on the mediation of Holocaust testimony in literature, music, and the visual arts.
Learn more about the Foundation and the seminar here.
Let's go to the SMUvies!
The Department for the Study of Religion is proud to present a new series of events presented in partnership with Philosophy and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
The series will examine various films, series, and other pop culture artifacts in a fun and approachable atmosphere. It is open to the public and everyone is welcome!
If you have any suggestions for the series click here to make your suggestion! You can also find us on Instagram @SMUvies_hfx.
Confirmed Book Contract for Dr. David Sable
Dr. David Sable is excited to announce that he has confirmed his contract with Routledge Press for the 2025 publication of his book Mindfulness and Contemplative Interaction for Transformative Learning in Higher Education: Exploring Interpersonal Dimensions and Connectedness (title is tentative).
Check out David's profile for more information about his research.