Nils Hallvard Korsvoll

Nils Hallvard Korsvoll serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Religion, Philosophy and History at the University of Agder (UiA), where he has been faculty since January 2019. His academic journey includes prior positions as Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in KRLE Didactics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) from 2017-2018, and as Research Fellow in Religious Studies at MF Norwegian School of Theology from 2012-2017. He also held a research fellowship at Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg's Collaborative Research Centre on Material Text Cultures from 2011-2012.

His research spans two primary domains: within the history of religions, he investigates material culture, religious practices, and magic in late antiquity, with particular focus on Aramaic and Syriac magic bowls; in religious didactics, he examines diversity and disciplinary development in religious and life philosophy education both nationally and internationally. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with critical heritage production, authoritative texts, and the intersection of religion with educational systems.

Korsvoll's recent publications reveal a strong thematic concentration on magic bowl studies (comprising approximately 40% of his output), religious education reform (30%), and critical analysis of academic practices in religious studies (30%). His work increasingly connects historical religious practices with contemporary educational challenges, particularly regarding religious diversity in Norwegian schools. Notable methodological approaches include philological analysis of ancient texts combined with critical theory frameworks.

• Director of the master's program in Religion, Philosophy and Society (2020-2023)
• Head of Udforsk - Center for Educational Research
• Editorial board member of DIN - Journal of Religion and Culture
• Member of Scholars at Risk UiA
• Former leader of the Young Academy of Norway (2023)
• Former chair of the Letten Prize board (2023)

His academic leadership extends to coordinating research groups on Claimed Pasts, Holy Scriptures and Authoritative Texts, and Religion in kindergarten and school settings. While his primary teaching has centered on Theory and Method courses within the master's program, he will transition to teaching pedagogy courses in primary school teacher education starting in autumn 2024. His scholarship consistently bridges historical religious studies with practical educational applications, particularly regarding religious diversity in contemporary Norwegian educational contexts.