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 , , and .

 

Photo of people sitting in an audience while taking notes.Call for Papers

RSAC has released its call for papers.

Click here for details.

The conference will be held March 28-29, 2025.

Funding opportunities are available.

 

 

 

 


 

Margaret MacDonald - Full-Time Faculty Member - Study of ReligionFellow 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.

 

 

 

 


 

A photo of the main academic building at UNB with their logo

 

The State of the Study of Religion in Atlantic Canada 2024

Dr. Kwateng-Yeboah has returned from a conference at the 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.  

 

 


Photo of the new Roeterseiland Campus at the University of Amsterdam with the textual logo of EuroSeas in red and black.

 

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 (EuroSEAS) conference.

The conference will be held at the Roeterseiland Campus at the . 

 

 


Line of golden buddha statuesBuddhist Studies in Canada—Current Conditions and Future Prospects

Dr. Alec Soucy will take part in a workshop presented by at 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 logo and smu logo together. SMU logo features the maroon crest with a thistle. CASIM logo features a blue and brown typography style logoCASIM x SMU Conference on the Study of Islam and Muslims - Movements

The Department for the Study of Religion is proud to collaborate with the (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 to register!


Logos for the Journal of Religion and Film and Fuller Theological Seminary above a photo of the iconic Hollywood sign in golden hour light

 

 

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 in Hollywood CA. They will each present a paper on American thriller drama, Yellowjackets. 

 

 

 


A black and white photograph of Hannah Arendt reclining in a dark blouse and wool skirt appears below the logo for the Hanna Arendt Centre for Politics and Humanities (HAC) at Bard College

 

The Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities

Dr. Lindsay Macumber will participate in a three week visiting fellowship at the 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.  

 

 


The logos of The Holocaust Educational Foundation of Northwestern University featuring flames and Hebrew script and the Ray Wolpow Institiute at Western Washington University featuring a mountain and a blue swirlWitness: 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 . 

 


An announcement poster featuring an image of unrolled reel of film. The text reads: Let's go to the SMUvies! SMUvies: Brining pop culture into focus. A n ongoing series of panels, talks, and workshops

 

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 to make your suggestion! You can also find us on Instagram .

 

 


A photo of Professor David Sable.

 

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. 

Contact us

Faculty of Arts
Department for the study of Religion
902-491-6286
Mailing address:
923 Robie Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 3C3