Stephen Carl Berkwitz

Stephen Carl Berkwitz is a Full Professor of Religious Studies at Missouri State University's Department of Religious Studies. He has held visiting roles as a Käte Hamburger Kolleg Visiting Research Fellow in 2017 and 2011. His research focuses on Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka, particularly the role of Buddhist literature in cultural and identity formation. Current projects include studies on medieval Sri Lankan Buddhist kingship, premodern Pali/Sinhala Bodhi Tree literature, and contemporary Theravada Buddhism.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Religious Studies (1999), University of California, Santa Barbara
• M.A. in Religious Studies (1994), University of California, Santa Barbara
• B.A. in Religion (1991), University of Vermont

His editorial roles include series editor for Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism and membership on the Religion journal's editorial board. He has received multiple faculty/college awards and fellowships during his tenure at Missouri State.

Recent research projects include:

• 2017 Fellowship: Divine Kingship in Medieval Sri Lanka (July–December 2017)
• 2011 Fellowship: Portuguese Encounters with Buddhism (June 2011–May 2012)