An ecotone is a landscape ecology term for the zone where two neighboring habitats interact. In his presentation, Kevin will explore how ecotones might help us think about the interactions between our readings of scripture and of literature. He will draw on his recent sabbatical-year experience teaching at the Oregon Extension, share a little about his forthcoming book with Cambridge University Press titled Rethinking the Secular Origins of the Novel: The Bible in English Fiction, 1678–1767, and look ahead to his next writing project on ecology, scripture, and science fiction by discussing Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower.��

Dr. Kevin Seidel is an Associate Professor of English at 91����Ƶ. He teaches first-year college writing, a number of general education and humanities classes, and a wide range of literature, from ancient epics to contemporary poetry and science fiction. Originally from California, Kevin came to 91����Ƶ from the University of Virginia, where he received his Ph.D. in English Literature and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture. Before that he earned a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He teaches and writes about the changing relationship between religion, secularism, and literature. He is a long-time practitioner of Scriptural Reasoning, where Jews, Christians, and Muslims gather to read each other’s scripture. And his book tentatively titled Rethinking the Secular Origins of the Novel: The Bible in English Fiction, 1678–1767 will be published by Cambridge University later this year.

What is the connection between Coates, Hope and the Bible? Hear the thoughts of Professor Kevin Seidel as part of the Common Read (Between the World and Me) Chapel Series. Emulate opens the chapel with music.

 serves as Associate Professor of Language and Literature. A native of California, Seidel came to 91����Ƶ from the University of Virginia, where he received his Ph.D. in English Literature and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture. He is working on a book project that uses original research on the eighteenth-century English Bible to open up new ways of thinking about the history of the English novel. He is also actively involved in Scriptural Reasoning. His teaching and scholarship both explore the changing relationship between religion, secularism, and literature.

91����Ƶ celebrates the University’s 97th Annual Commencement in this Baccalaureate Service.�� ,  assistant professor of language and literature, addresses the graduates with his speech titled “Leave Your Father’s House”.  Senior class co-presidents Carissa Harnish and Everett Brubaker offer Senior Class Salutations.