Dr. Mary Jane Maxwell, Assistant Professor of History and Religious Studies at Green Mountain College, specializes in cross cultural contacts between Christians and Muslims in the late medieval era. In particular, she examines the travel accounts of European and Russian merchants who left detailed records of their conversion to Islam while conducting business in Muslim lands. Her scholarly interest in medieval travelers inspired her own personal treks to Europe, Russia, Africa, India, China and the Middle East. She brings her travel stories and photos to the classroom where she encourages students to develop a greater deeper appreciation and curiosity for other cultures and traditions. Her current project is a comparative global study of female mystics from the 7th to 15 the centuries, and their contributions to their respective faith's doctrines and practices. When not traveling, Mary Jane spends her summers fly-fishing in Yaak, Montana.

Education
Ph.D. History, Washington State University, Pullman Washington, May 2004
Primary field in World History
Dissertation title: "Journeys of Faith and Fortune: Christian Travelers in the D
r al-Isl
m in the 15th and Early 16th Century"
 

Articles

• Teaching the Emergence of the Islamic World through Art and Architecture: A Lesson in Cross-Cultural Exchange