Learning Objectives for the Ph.D. in Religion

Critical Skills for the Study of Religion: Theory, Method and (Inter)Disciplinarity

Develop and apply critical toolkit to the study of religion and religious traditions, including (inter)disciplinary methodologies and theories.

Historical, Social, and Cultural Dimensions of Religion

Understand and interpret religious traditions by examining religion(s) as historical, social, and cultural phenomena.

Psychological, Philosophical, and Cognitive Dimensions of Religion

Understand and interpret the subjective dimensions of religion(s) through analyses that explore the psychological, philosophical, and cognitive dynamics of religion and religious experience.

Religious Plurality/Marginal Currents

Understand and interpret religious traditions by examining the plurality of religious voices and expressions, including currents that have been marginalized, neglected, repressed, and censored in a variety of sociological, psychological, philosophical, and political ways.

Multicultural/Transnational Currents

Understand and interpret religious traditions as multicultural and transnational in nature through attention to the impact of globalism, immigration, colonialism, and other forms of multicultural (non)religious exchange.

Religious Literacy

Gain basic objective knowledge of the beliefs, practices, and institutional histories of the world’s religions.

Communication: Pedagogy and Professionalism

Develop ability to effectively communicate (inter)disciplinary knowledge and critical research in the classroom, at professional conferences, and in academic publications.

Foreign Language Skills: Primary Text Translation

Develop ability to read religious texts in their original languages and perform translations of texts where appropriate.

Foreign Language Skills: Secondary Research Translation

Develop ability to read and understand relevant scholarly research/literature that has been published in foreign languages.