Open MINDS Institute with Patricia Behre, PhD, "Outside the Tent: Teaching Atheism and Jewish-Christian Relations at a Jesuit University" - Tuesday, February 8 at 12:00 PM

In this seminar we will survey and discuss the history of bringing Jewish studies, atheism, and a diverse “second generation” faculty to Fairfield University, a Jesuit Catholic institution. How has the traditionally Catholic student body received and responded to these changes? How have they been incorporated into the University’s 21st century academic mission?

Dr. Patricia E. Behre is an associate professor of history and current chair of the History department at Fairfield University, where she has taught since 1991. Originally from New Orleans, her research focuses on Jewish-Christian relations, early modern France and Europe; and atheism and skeptical thought. She was a member of the original faculty delegation advocating for Judaic Studies. Her essays and book reviews have been published in numerous academic publications.