Susanna Morrill

Susanna Morrill teaches courses in United States religious history. She received her doctorate in the history of religions from the University of Chicago. Her work in the recent past has focused on how early Mormon women used popular literature in order to argue for the theological importance of their roles in the home, community, and church.

Academic Credentials

PhD 2002 University of Chicago

MA 1993 University of Chicago

BA 1989 Bryn Mawr College

Teaching

Spring 2026 Courses

RELS 107 Religion In TV
MWF 9:10AM-10:10AM
Exploration of key themes in American religious history as revealed in American television shows. Millennialism, exceptionalism, revivalism, restorationism, apocalypticism, freedom of religion, religious pluralism, fascination with Asian religions, exploration of paranormal topics.

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 253 Prophets, Seekers, & Heretics
MWF 11:30AM - 12:30PM

Introduction to major themes and movements in American religious history from colonial origins to the Civil War. Consideration of Native American religious traditions, colonial settlement, slavery and slave religion, revivalism, religion and the revolution, growth of Christian denominationalism, origins of Mormonism, using a comparative approach in the effort to understand diverse movements. Central themes: revival and religious renewal, appropriation of Old Testament language by various groups (Puritans, African Americans, Mormons), democratization of religion.

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 490 Senior Thesis
TH 9:40AM-11:10AM

Advanced readings and major works in religion. In consultation with faculty, selection of a thesis topic and further reading in the discipline and research in the topic area. Substantial written document demonstrating mastery of theory and methodology in the study of religion and the ability to integrate these into the thesis topic. Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: Senior standing required.

Research

Professor Morrill teaches courses in United States religious history up to 1865; United States religious history, 1865-present; colonial American history; women in United States religious history; the body and health in United States religious history; and a seminar focusing on American religions. These courses reflect her interests in researching women in United States religions and, specifically, in finding women (and men) in American history by looking at non-traditional, popular sources—the places in American culture that women were able to safely create and inhabit.