Department of Religious Studies

Emphasis of the Graduate Program

The primary emphasis of the program is upon understanding through interpretation. Interpretation is broadly construed to include: 1) appreciation of the ways in which geographically diverse cultures from ancient times to the present have interpreted their own religious symbols and actions, 2) sophistication with regard to the methodological difficulties confronting those trained in modern, western scholarship as they attempt to interpret other traditions, 3) understanding of the challenges that face the historian who attempts to establish the text, context, and authorship of a document or event for which evidence is scanty or conflicting, and 4) awareness of the variety of theories that are employed by modern interpreters of religion and the philosophical presuppositions and scholarly ramifications that are implied by them.

Thus the focus of the program is upon the descriptive, historical, critical and theoretical work that engages every interpreter of religion. Constructive ("normative") participation in theological and philosophical tasks that are specific to particular religious traditions is not considered part of the Penn program.

Stages of the PhD Program

The Graduate Group in Religious Studies offers a PhD program consisting in four stages. At present, the MA degree is awarded only to fully matriculated PhD students and Penn undergraduates who successfully complete the submatriculation program (a joint BA/MA). The four stages are: A) Application, Admission & Matriculation, B) Course Work & Qualifications Evaluation, C) Preliminary Examination in Area of Specialization, D) Dissertation & Oral Defense

There are two time limits set by the University. All students must pass the Preliminary Examination within seven years of matriculation. In actual practice, however, the expectation is that full time students will do this within three years. There is also a five year limit on full time status after the completion of course work. (Half time students are not eligible for student health insurance and must begin to repay all student loans.)