Max Johnson Dugan

Visiting Assistant Professor, Kenyon College

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Max Johnson Dugan is a Visiting Instructor Professor of Religious Studies at Kenyon College, having completed his doctoral work in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 2024. At Kenyon College, he teaches courses on Islam and material religion, including "Islam's Diverse Paths," "Islam in North America," "Encountering Religion in its Global Context," and "Religious Bodies, Objects, and Affects." 

Max's research focuses on Islamic material and visual culture, embodiment, and emotions. His dissertation examined Halal consumption in Philadelphia using a combination of ethnographic and digital humanistic methods in order to understand how Islamic traditions, racialization, and the contingencies of urban life give halal consumer goods their purchase. The project speaks to issues of class, ethnicity, and communal authority, while offering insight into non-elite, lived Islam in the United States.

Max has ongoing research projects on popular Islamic art in the US, the affective dynamics of basketball in Muslim communities, and postcolonial affects. Digital humanistic praxis is a core component of his scholarship and teaching. Learn more about the DH projects which he has led or been involved with: http://maxjohnsondugan.com/digital-projects/

Education

PhD, Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania

MA, Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania

BA, Religious Studies, Kenyon College

Research Interests

Islamic material and visual culture, embodiment, and affect
Islam in North America
Halal consumption
Digital humanities
Religion and Sport

Research Areas
Islam
American Religions
Material and Visual Culture
Selected Publications
Affiliations

American Academy of Religion