Andrea Stanton
Associate Professor, Islamic Studies and Digital Religion; Senior Associate Dean; Director, Middle East Center
What I do
I am Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Senior Associate Dean for CAHSS. I am also an affiliated faculty member at the Institute for Comparative and Transregional Studies at the Korbel School.
Specialization(s)
digital religion, Islamic studies, media and politics, media history, Middle Eastern history
Professional Biography
I obtained my MA and PhD in Middle Eastern history from Columbia University, and my BA in history and in religion from Williams College. My research agenda follows two tracks: 20th century Middle Eastern history, focusing on intersections between mass media forms and national or social identities, and 21st century Islam, focusing on intersections between contemporary media forms (mass and individual), state interests, and personal piety. My religious studies research areas are thus in digital Islam, digital religion, and lived religion. At DU, I teach a range of Islamic studies courses, including: Introduction to Islam, Islam in the United States, Islam and Gender, Islamic Empires, and Common Figures in the Bible and Qur'an. Like my other RLGS colleagues, I also do quite a bit of community engagement and public outreach, giving numerous public talks each year.
Degree(s)
- Ph.D., Middle East History, Columbia University, 2007
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Religion
- Middle East Studies Association
- American Historical Association
- Syrian Studies Association
Media Sources
Research
Coming to the University of Denver entailed shifting from a history to a religious studies department, which has encouraged my research agenda to develop and broaden. My research interests have proceeded along two primary tracks: 20th century Middle Eastern history, with a continuing focus on nation building and technology; and contemporary manifestations of piety among Muslims in the United States and the Middle East, with a particular focus on intersections and amplifications through technology, including apps and websites.
Areas of Research
Key Projects
- Radio and Decolonization: Bringing Sound into 20th Century History
- Supporting JDP Faculty and Students of Color
- Teaching Connected Histories of the Mediterranean
- Religion and Peacebuilding: Public Talk Series
- Religion in the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains
- Interfaith Youth Core
- Religion and Peacebuilding: Public Talk Series
- University of Denver (CO): Expanding Core Strengths in Middle East Studies
Featured Publications
Presentations
Awards
- Kathleen Connolly-Weinert Leader-of-the-Year Award, Theta Alpha Kappa
- Outstanding Faculty Member Award, Joint Ph.D. Program Student Association
