The Department of Religious Studies recently hired two new professors and one assistant professor for next fall.
Dr. Tariq Jaffer, who is currently teaching at Boston University and received his Ph.D. from Yale University, was considered with two other candidates for a professorship in the field of Islam. Each of them presented a lecture to the department before the final decision was made. Jaffer’s presentation, entitled “Who Spoke the Qur’an?,” helped earn him the position last week.
“We felt that he has a very broad command and knowledge of Islam and its development,” said Judith Baskin, the head of the Department of Religious Studies. She also said that Jaffer’s concise, articulate style used in his lecture will translate well into teaching in a classroom.
The Department of Religious Studies and the Department of Philosophy jointly hired Dr. Erin Cline of Baylor University as a professor in Chinese thought and religion. Her assistant, Michael Slater, will also join the University in the field of American religion and thought.
The two additions are a part of the Department of Religious Studies’ effort to expand its curriculum, Baskin said, and eventually to offer a master’s degree in religious studies from the University. She also said she hopes the program will allow students to specialize in either Eastern or far Eastern religions.