Mary F. Thurkill
Professional Background
I received my BA (1991) and MA (1993) in history, emphasizing medieval
European studies, from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. I then
began my Ph.D. work at Indiana University in Religious studies with a
minor in history. After completing my Ph.D. exams in 1997, I accepted a
position at Southern Arkansas University's Department of History,
Political Science, and Geography. In my six years there, the courses
I taught included
World Civilizations, Women and Religion, Ancient History, History of the
Middle Ages, and Islamic Civilization. I completed the dissertation and
received the Ph.D. in 2001. In Fall 2003 I joined the faculty at Ole
Miss.
Teaching Interests
My basic interests lie in comparative religion, particularly medieval
Christianity and Shi'ite Islam. Teaching introductory level courses,
however, allows me to explore common themes of major world religions as
well as traditional views of women and gender. In the coming semesters, I
will be designing upper-level courses on the Abrahamic religions (Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam), Saints and Sexuality, and Islam.
Research Interests
My most recent research endeavors deal with the dissertation, Chosen
Among Women: Mary and Fatima in Medieval Christianity and Shi'ite
Islam.
This is an examination of the Virgin Mary, Fatima (the Prophet Muhammad's
daughter), and notions of sanctity and gender. I am currently revising
the manuscript for publication.
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