Eric Holzwarth was born in Paris, France, but despite his vigorous protests, was relocated to the United States by his parents at the age of three. Perhaps due to this early experience, after completing his B.A. from Hobart and William Smith (including Highest Honors in Religious Studies earned through his Honors Thesis), he pursued French hermeneutical theory with the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur at the University of Chicago, receiving his Ph.D. in Religion and Literature in 1985. He has traveled extensively in India , and retains strong family ties there. His academic interests include hermeneutics (interpretation theory), literary theory, and modern religious thought. He enjoys long walks with his family, running, skiing, and reading, and lively conversations with students. He attends lectures, concerts, plays, and dance performances as often as he can. He is also Part-time Assistant Professor of Religion.