11.27
Kristina García
News Officer
klg@upenn.edu
Religious Studies
‘Then and Now: Black-Jewish Relations in the Civil Rights Movement’
‘Then and Now: Black-Jewish Relations in the Civil Rights Movement’
Professor of religious studies Anthea Butler gave an overview of shared history and discussed next steps in “Then and Now: Black-Jewish Relations in the Civil Rights Movement,” an event hosted by the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies.
Pope Francis supports same-sex unions
Pope Francis supports same-sex unions
The Catholic Church has long stated that marriage is between a man and a woman, a position Pope Francis supports. Melissa Wilde and Anthea Butler discuss the Pope’s recent support of civil unions that ensure legal rights for same-sex couples.
Across U.S. Catholic archdioceses, child protection policies vary widely
Across U.S. Catholic archdioceses, child protection policies vary widely
A report from CHILD USA, led by Professor of Practice Marci Hamilton, found that such policies lack uniformity, aren’t comprehensive, and often don’t take a victim-centered approach.
A food journey across the Middle East
A food journey across the Middle East
During a summer internship with Professor Heather J. Sharkey, four undergrads studied oranges, olive oil, coffee, and sorghum in an effort to understand their political, nutritional, and emotional value to the region.
Understanding death
Understanding death
In the latest episode of Penn Today’s “Understand This ...” podcast series, assistant professor of Religious Studies Jolyon Thomas and Director of Pastoral Services James Browning explore dialogues around death.
This is your brain on religion
This is your brain on religion
Saachi Datta is combining her passion for religion and science on her path to becoming a physician.
Final chapter in a pandemic’s shadow
Final chapter in a pandemic’s shadow
Historian David Ruderman was set to publish a new book and celebrate his retirement. Then the pandemic hit.
When Malcolm X came to Penn
When Malcolm X came to Penn
On this Malcolm X Day, his 95th birthday, Penn Today reflects on his visit to the University in January of 1963, and his life and legacy.
A unique fellowship for Middle Eastern languages
A unique fellowship for Middle Eastern languages
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, the Foreign Language and Area Studies Program (FLAS) offers undergraduate and graduate-level academic year and summer fellowships to Penn students studying Middle Eastern languages.
The religious battle over birth control and the unpleasant motivation that fueled it
The religious battle over birth control and the unpleasant motivation that fueled it
In a Q&A, sociologist Melissa Wilde discusses her new book, which probes the racism and elitism that spurred religious groups to fight for legalizing contraception.
Media Contact
In the News
“All Things Considered,” National Public Radio
After Falwell’s departure, Liberty students worry about their school and their faith
Michele Margolis of the School of Arts & Sciences says that young evangelicals are more progressive than previous generations on some issues but don’t seem to be moving away from the Republican Party overall.
FULL STORY →
The Washington Post
New study in ‘Science’: Medieval Catholicism explains the differences between cultures to this day
Coren Apicella of the School of Arts and Sciences commented on a new study that found a correlation between countries with longer histories of exposure to Catholicism and lower measures of kinship intensity. “This is the only theory that I am aware of that attempts to explain broad patterns of human psychology on a global scale,” she said.
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Forward.com
How genetics paint a picture of the Jewish past
Steven Weitzman of the School of Arts and Sciences commented on efforts to study Jewish genetics. While the research is “fascinating,” he acknowledges that it may make some uncomfortable. “There’s a lot of resistance to [genetic research] within the field of Jewish studies,” Weitzman said. “A lot of people remember or have in mind the role of race science in Nazism. So the idea that Jewish scholars would look in any way to genetics to understand Jewish identity or Jewish history and origins can make people concerned.”
FULL STORY →