The production of new knowledge about the religions of the world is central to our identity as a department of religious studies that operates within a major research university.  The faculty’s active research programs insure that our students are always at the cutting edge of the study of religion.  Students are exposed to surprising local and global religious developments, both long-standing and novel ethical issues, new perspectives on religious history, and innovative approaches to the discovery and interpretation of ancient texts. Our research commitments also enable us to remain an excellent, up-to-date resource for the public whose members realize the profound and immediate influence that religions around the globe can have on digitally-mediated lives.