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Hardigg Family Fund Lecture

The Hardigg Family Fund supports the annual visit of a scholar designated as the Hardigg Family Fellow to Religion 85, which is the culminating experience of the Religion major, restricted to and required of all senior Religion majors. 

The Hardigg Family Fellow meets with students in class to discuss his or her work and also engages with students more informally in conversations outside of class. The Fellow also typically presents a faculty colloquium or public lecture in conjunction with their visit to campus.

The Hardigg Family Fund was established in 1993 by James S. Hardigg '44.

2025–26 Hardigg Lecture

Thursday, January 29, 2026

David Frankfurter, Boston University

Thursday, January 29, 2026
4:30-6:30 PM 
41 Haldeman 
Reception in the foyer to follow
Free and open to all

Lecture title: Ritual/Atrocity: Patterns of Meaning in Extreme Violence

Abstract: What is "ritual" violence, and where do we find it in history? This lecture will discuss issues around the category ritual as writers have applied it to violence both imaginatively and critically. Then I will illustrate ritual features in several modern cases of protracted violent action. Ritual is not a characteristic feature of violence, atrocity, and abuse, but it can be recognized in particular types of action.