Padraic Fitzgerald

Adjunct Instructor of Religious Studies

Education

• Ph.D. in Religion, University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology Joint Doctoral Program.
• M.A. in Religious Studies, University of Denver
• B.A. in Anthropology, Eckerd College

Research Interests

I locate myself at the crossroads of Material Religion and Phenomenology, the “stuff” of religion and how it affects human beings. I am particularly interested in how people engage with this “stuff” ranging from relics, clothing, and images to music and the natural world. I’m particularly drawn to how these latter two categories help people facilitate religious experiences and establish communal identity. Beyond this, I enjoy analyzing the various intersections of Religion and popular culture, notably in music and film, New Religious Movements, and the various cultural and religious approaches to Death and the Afterlife.

Courses Taught

• RELS 103: Death and the Afterlife
• RELS 105: Intro to World Religions
• RELS 106: Religion and Violence