Lecturer
Office
Harvill 347B
Office hours
Fall 2022 Office Hours: Wednesday and Friday from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
Dr. Konden Smith Hansen (Ph.D. in Religious Studies, Arizona State University) is Lecturer of Religious Studies. He was the Burns Faculty Fellow for 2014-2015. Dr. Smith specializes in American Religious History, with a particular expertise in Mormon Studies. He is the author of Frontier Religion: Mormons in America, 1857-1907 (University of Utah Press) and the co-editor of Reed Smoot: American Politics and American Religion (University of Utah Press, forthcoming). He teaches courses on American and world religions, western mysticism, and religion and popular culture.
Area of Specialization:
19th Century American Millennialism, Mormon Studies, World Religions, and Religion and Theory
Currently Teaching
RELI 160D4 – Introduction to World Religions
This course explores the diversity of religions and religious experiences across the globe. Religions to be examined include, but are not limited to, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as indigenous traditions.
RELI 227 – Religion and Film
This course explores religion and its relationship with visual storytelling culture. We will analyze, explore, and challenge various religious, pop-cultural, ideological, and moral messages as presented in various types of film, from art house cinema to blockbuster movies, and genres ranging from horror to comedy.
RELI 235 – Religion, Violence, and Terrorism
This course will study critical theories about the role of religion in acts of terrorism and violence. Through the examination of a range of case studies, this course will explore ways in which religion has been the motivation and justification behind violent conflict, aggression, and persecution.