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Meet a SLU Researcher: Charles Parker, Ph.D.

10/19/2021

Charles Parker, Ph.D., is a professor of history. Dr. Parker’s research includes the first wave of globalization in early modern Europe. He also sees SLU as a destination for the study of Catholicism.

Early Beginnings 

"I grew up in a very religious family," Parker said. "When I got to college, there was this lecture on the Reformation, and it blew my mind because it gave me new ways of thinking about myself, about what I'd been taught and kind of the historical conditions of that.

"And so I was attracted to history because it helped me make sense of the world."

¶¶Òõpro Parker's Research

"I think you could describe my research as kind of the first wave of globalization, empire building, through missions, the integration of global space that we see manifested in our own day," he said. 

"We have embarked on a project to make SLU a destination for the study of  Catholicism. The unique resources that ¶¶Òõpro offers — Vatican film library, Pius Library, a rare book room. We put on a number of research
 panels, and it's building a great deal of excitement and energy.

"I think what the study of comparative world history really teaches us is that there are really some strange parallels that take place around the world and that we really share a common destiny together," he said. 

Excitement at SLU

"Two things that have really made this a rewarding place for me," he said. "The high level of scholarship among my colleagues, and also the students. The students inspire me.  They are some of the best women and men I've ever met.  They're curious.
They're good people. I've felt honored to work with them."

Meet the Researcher Video Series

This is part of a weekly series of short videos featuring faculty researchers from across the University sharing the important and cutting-edge research taking place at SLU. 

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