Professor of Religion and Culture and Environmental Studies Laura Hobgood was recently a featured guest on the Relationscapes podcast episode titled “How Dogs Domesticated Humans.” As the author of A Dog’s History of the World: Canines and the Domestication of Humans, Hobgood provided her expertise on the long, complicated co-evolution of humans and dogs. Hosted by award-winning journalist Blair Hodges, the Relationscapes podcast explores relationships, gender, sexuality, race, ability, and culture, focusing on ideas that inspire deeper connection and a more humane life. Listen to the episode here. 

Professor of Religion and Culture and Environmental Studies Laura Hobgood presented on the panel “Beyond Personhood: New Ways to Imagine Our Solidarity with Animals” at the American Academy of Religion (AAR) Annual Meeting in Boston. The Animals and Religion Group was founded by Dr. Hobgood and several colleagues in 2000 and has now been active in the AAR for 25 years.

Professor Emeritus of Kinesiology Jimmy Smith and Professor of Religion and Culture/Environmental Studies Laura Hobgood were invited by Lifelong Learning (formerly Senior University) to teach a six-week class called “Going to the Dogs.” The course is based on their 20-year FYS taught at SU.

Professor of Religion and Environmental Studies Laura Hobgood presented as part of a panel on her contributions to the recently published volume Animals and Religion  at the American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting. Her two chapters are “Companion Animals” and “Blessings of Pets in Jewish and Christian Traditions.”

Professor of Religion and Environmental Studies Laura Hobgood spent part of spring break in Los Angeles being interviewed and filmed for a documentary focusing on women as leaders and healers in early and medieval Christianity. The documentary, tentatively titled “Immortality Key,” will be a feature length motion picture when it is completed.