Bushman Named Visiting Professor In Mormon Studies

[Elphaba]

Claremont Graduate School, in Southern California, offers a Master's Degree in Religion, and about a year ago, maybe two,* added an emphasis in Mormon Studies. It has been looking for someone to fill the the Howard W. Hunter Visiting Professor in Mormon Studies position ever since. (Dr. Steuss, please correct my timing if I'm wrong.)

Perhaps that position has finally been filled. According to TT at the blog "Faith Promoting Rumor," the following notice has been "passed around in certain circles." However, he said he hasn't found anything posted at Claremont's website yet.

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"Professor Richard Bushman has been appointed as the Howard W. Hunter Visiting Professor in Mormon Studies. Professor Bushman was Governor Morris Professor of History at Columbia University, where he is currently emeritus. He has taught at Boston University, Harvard, Brown, University of Delaware and Brigham Young University. Over the course of his career he has published 11 books, receiving a Bancroft and Phi Alpha Theta prizes as well as the Evans biography awards. His scholarship ranges over the social and cultural history of early America, the political history of colonial New England, American religious history and the history of the Mormon Church. The list of fellowships that he has received is extensive; among them are a Guggenheim Fellowship, Huntington Fellowship, National Humanities Center Fellowship and National Endowment for Humanities Fellowship. For the academic year 2007-2008 will hold a Huntington Library fellowship and be in residence in Pasadena. He will come to Claremont in the Fall of 2008."

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This is a link to the "Faith Promoting Rumor" blog's entry regarding the filling of the position. This is fairly big news in the LDS academic world. It represents an acceptance of Mormonism as a substantial religion and institution to merit its own department at a prestigious institution that is not affiliated with the Church. It accepts the impact of the Church in our modern world and therefore wants to study it rather than dismiss it. It's an honor to the Church that it merits a "Mormon Studies" program.

Bushman takes Claremont chair - Maybe

Elphaba

[Jason]

Hmm...so I guess they didn't like Snow or myself then?

[Doctor Steuss]

Clarement Graduate School, in Southern California, offers a Master's Degree in Religion, and about a year ago, maybe two,* added an emphasis in Mormon Studies. It has been looking for someone to fill the the Howard W. Hunter Visiting Professor in Mormon Studies position ever since. (Dr. Steuss, please correct my timing if I'm wrong.)

I'm pretty sure they began looking for a "Mormon studies chair " around March of '05. So, as usual, you are right. :)

Hugs,

Sonny.

[Snow]

I only see the story on blogs and such so I'd be interested in the actual press release.

I've been following this for a couple years since they announced the Mormon Studies program. Dean Karen Torjesen spoke to our Study Group about it. She said the idea for the program came about because they had a number of LDS students in their graduate program that were of such high quality that they thought it natural to add Mormon studies to what I think were the five other study program in their School of Religion. Dr. Torjesen is one of the brighter people I've met.

At one time Teryl Givens (By Hand the Mormon) interviewed for the position but he told us that he didn't think he could afford to take the job - it ain't cheap to live in So. Cal in the lifestyle that he was accustomed to.

I talked to Richard Bushman at Claremont last year at a symposium and he was very warmly received. Interestingly, Jan Shipps was there to hear him speak.

[Elphaba]

I only see the story on blogs and such so I'd be interested in the actual press release.

I know. I fear I have been irresponsible and jumped the gun. Perhaps Monday we'll know for sure.

I've been following this for a couple years since they announced the Mormon Studies program. Dean Karen Torjesen spoke to our Study Group about it. She said the idea for the program came about because they had a number of LDS students in their graduate program that were of such high quality that they thought it natural to add Mormon studies to what I think were the five other study program in their School of Religion. Dr. Torjesen is one of the brighter people I've met.

Mormons are so smart! B)

At one time Teryl Givens (By Hand the Mormon) interviewed for the position but he told us that he didn't think he could afford to take the job - it ain't cheap to live in So. Cal in the lifestyle that he was accustomed to.

Tell it to Steuss. (cough cough)

I talked to Richard Bushman at Claremont last year at a symposium and he was very warmly received. Interestingly, Jan Shipps was there to hear him speak.

Why does that surprise you? Has she retired from all things Mormon? And what is it with you and Bushman? No fair!

Claremont must be a nice drive for you. Why haven't they ask you?

Elphaba

[Moksha]

Is this the professorship where the wealth patron paying for the position stipulated that it could not be Dr. Michael Quinn?

[Snow]

Why does that surprise you? Has she retired from all things Mormon?

I heard her speak at Claremont before but thought it was nifty that this time she flew in, not to speak, but to hear Bushman speak.

And what is it with you and Bushman? No fair!

I met him in the men's room. Now we are legally 2nd cousins.

Claremont must be a nice drive for you. Why haven't they ask you?

Elphaba

I looked in to there Ph.D program in religion but though it is only 30 or so miles away, the rush hour drive is a killer. There's no way I could drive that daily - besides which I'm a little weak in my German (more than a little). There is much German and French required in graduate religion studies.

[Fiannan]

Elphaba I thought this thread would be some attack on George Bush or something. Oh well.

[Jason]

I met him in the men's room. Now we are legally 2nd cousins.

I hope neither of you had a "wide stance".

... besides which I'm a little weak in my German (more than a little). There is much German and French required in graduate religion studies.

Rammstein CD's could help you there. I learned: "Du hast mich". B)

[Elphaba]

Elphaba I thought this thread would be some attack on George Bush or something. Oh well.

Okay Fiannan, just for you.

Bush's Bad Day

Elphie

[FrankJL]

Rammstein CD's could help you there. I learned: "Du hast mich".

An aber wo hast ich sie?

I think thats right...its been years since I lived in Germany.