The hallmarks of our PhD program in religion are creative interdisciplinarity, theoretical reflection, and the rigorous investigation of material, textual, cultural, aesthetic and political dimensions of religions. Our curriculum gives sustained attention to religion, theory, bodies, gender and materiality. In their first two years, students gain an overview of religious studies theories and methods culminating in a comprehensive exam in two parts. In other coursework, students can explore religion and spirituality in modern societies, both local and global, through the lenses of anthropology of religion and history of religions. They may also analyze how religions shape and are shaped in aesthetics, ethics, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and political and culture theory. They can also investigate literary and performative expressions of religion, including scriptures, through the lenses of history, philosophy, literary theory, and rhetoric. In their third year in the program, every student must write one comprehensive exam in a religious or regional tradition and one methodological exam on either (a) communities and identities, (b) critique, image, and politics, or (c) texts and contexts.

An intimate context and collaborative ethos nurture intellectual experimentation and growth. We strongly support teaching experience and pedagogical development.

We offer all admitted PhD students five years of stipend funding, including a full tuition scholarship, for working as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Religion.