Student Engagement, Where Art Thou?

Abstract

Three US professors discuss the challenge of teaching the study of religion within a higher educational setting marked by institutional and student ambivalence. Professors Matthew Baldwin (Mars Hill College), Kevin McGinnis (Stonehill College and Post University), and Leslie Dorrough Smith (Avila University) joined Richard Newton (Editor, Bulletin for the Study of Religion) for a conversation on this challenge, expressing frustrations and sharing tips. The exchange took began at the start of the Spring 2020 semester, paused during the spring recess in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and resumed at the end of the term, offering a snapshot of the day’s challenges.