I’m Morgan Shipley, and I am professor for AL 210; Various REL courses (REL 380: New Religions, REL 101: Exploring Religions, REL 301: Theories and Methods, thematic courses in mysticism, thematic courses in religion, violence and peace). My research explores what new religious movements, alternative rituals, mysticism and esotericism, social movements, communal experimentations, and popular culture tell us about religion, religious identity, representation, tolerance, and pluralism within American history. An ongoing project, for example, explores the place of conjuring and magic within underrepresented religious communities (Black folk traditions, Ghost Dance, and Neopaganism) as a means to respond to and challenge liberal projects of ostracization and oppression, while also emerging as devices to affirm identity and push for equal standing and rights. In the classroom, I am dedicated to creating experiential learning opportunities and community engagement projects that advance how the humanities classroom can emerge as a place to enhance critical thinking, advance empathy, and develop concerned citizens.