Department of Religion and Classics

Halloween is a staple in American culture, but what are the origins of the holiday? Emil Homerin, professor of religion, discusses Halloween's roots in mysticism with student host Nick Bruno in this episode of QuadCast, the University's official podcast.

As the accord turns 100 years old, Aaron Hughes, professor of Jewish studies, weighs in on the impact the secret accord that established political control of territories in the Middle East among Great Britain, France, and Russia after World War I. / The Conversation

Rochester will join forces with the Cornell Prison Education Program next year, as assistant professor of religion Joshua Dubler and his students bring the value of a higher education to an often invisible population while addressing the epidemic of mass incarceration.

Joshua Dubler, assistant professor of religion, will spend the next two years pursuing the question of whether the prison itself is a necessary component of modern society.

In December, the Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies will host a conference examining the nexus of sex and gender studies, Jewish studies, American studies, and media studies themes that run through the show.

Joshua Dubler's project will shed new light on how changes in the religious landscape in America have contributed to tremendous growth in the prison system over the last 40 years.

The story of Salomé has been recreated in popular culture for more than 2,000 years. On Oct. 8-11, her evolving role in religion, society, and the arts will be explored in a two-day symposia and series of events titled The Veils of Salomé, at both the River Campus and the Eastman School of Music.