In the Public Interest
The Committee on the Public Understanding of Religion sponsors this column in order to deepen scholarly understanding of the role of religion in public life and to encourage engagement between religion scholars and the public. The Committee encourages proposals from AAR members interested in writing an article for the column, which may include comment on religion and the media, public policy, or law, or on other topics related to religion and public life. If interested, please e-mail Steve Herrick at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with a paragraph summarizing your proposed topic and approach.

Beyond Academe
In an effort to explore the full range of career opportunities for those trained in religious studies, Religious Studies News, in conjunction with the AAR’s Job Placement Task Force, has initiated a new, regularly appearing column exploring religious studies careers outside of academia. In coming issues, columns will share first-person accounts of possibilities and challenges for scholars of religion beyond faculty roles. If you have pursued such a career path and would like to share your story, or if you know of someone who has done so, please contact the chair of the Job Placement Task Force, Tim Renick, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Not for Women Only
Welcome to a new column sponsored by the AAR's Status of Women in the Profession Committee. This column will examine the political and professional issues that affect women — but not just women — in the academy. It will be published in the March and October issues of RSN.

Research Briefing

From the Student Desk