International conference on media and religion brings scholars from across the globe to Boulder

International scholars on media, journalism, politics and religion from 32 countries are gathering at the University of Colorado Boulder August 8 -11 to explore the relationship between media, religion and public scholarship. The College of Media, Communication and Information’s Center for Media, Religion and Culture (CMRC) will host the conference with the International Society for Media, Religion and Culture (ISMRC). 

“We’re hoping to break the silos between academia and public life,” said Nabil Echchaibi, CMRC associate director. “We think this conference is an opportunity for academics and non-academics alike to come in and engage the public in innovative and creative ways.”

Two sessions are free and open to the public. The keynote address, “Religion and Public Scholarship in the Age of Anger” by Anthea Butler, associate professor of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania, is Wednesday, August 8 at 5 p.m. in the Old Main Chapel. Butler, an expert on conservative Christianity and politics, will address the necessity to speak up as academics in times of political, social and cultural urgency, and the risks of confronting a climate of public intimidation and hostility.

At “A Roundtable on Religion, Media, and Public Scholarship,” panelists will provide brief reflections on emerging themes from the three-year study on “Public Religion and Public Scholarship in the Digital Age,” which was made possible by a $500,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation. This session is Saturday, Aug. 11 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Village Center Dining and Community Commons, 500 30th St.

The public and university community also can watch livestreamed plenary sessions or attend conference sessions by purchasing a day pass. View the full schedule and registration information »