The paradox of being a scholar is that even when we are complicating matters, our job is always to clarify. ...When I use these terms in my scholarship, I tend to be thinking about the meanings presented here.
You’re a Historian–Define Your Terms
You’re a historian; Get the Memo?
One of the standard skills in a university education is the reading of a historical text. Traditionally this learning objective is explained in terms of two competencies--the engagement of primary sources and the use of secondary sources to assist in the interpretation of those primary sources. In fact, the very design of historical curricula is … Continue reading You’re a historian; Get the Memo?
Scriptural Roots: How Alex Haley Read “America Great Again”
During the U.S. bicentennial, Alex Haley's Roots: The Saga of an American Family took American reading and viewing audiences by storm. The pre-internet social media event challenged a nation to rethink the terms on which one can identify as American. Dr. Richard Newton, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies University of Alabama, discusses the history, spectacle, and … Continue reading Scriptural Roots: How Alex Haley Read “America Great Again”
Re-reading the Scriptures with Alex Haley and Malcolm X
Dr. Richard Newton, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies University of Alabama, takes a look at two of the most influential works in 20th century American history—The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley and Roots: The Saga of an American Family—for guidance on how we got to this volatile moment. Drawing upon his research on identity formation, Newton … Continue reading Re-reading the Scriptures with Alex Haley and Malcolm X
Get Resourceful for REL #COVID19
I was talking with a friend earlier today. And as we were sharing about how our institutions are facing #COVID19, I realized that I have a lot of material that may be of use to those scholars of religion who are preparing to change how they'll teach their classes. Below you'll find a guide to content that you might find useful.
Sowing the Seed 