Master of Arts
Of the 30 credits required for the degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 24 credits of graded coursework, including a minimum of nine credits in a single religious tradition or cultural area and a minimum of six credits in courses with a strong emphasis on method.
Students who elect not to complete a thesis are expected to complete six additional graded credits, including three credits in a single religious tradition or cultural area, and pass a comprehensive examination.
Students are expected to demonstrate a reading knowledge of one research language by examination.
Concentration in World Religions, World Literatures
In tandem with the standard requirements for the master’s degree, students are expected to complete the three-credit course Introduction to World Religions, World Literatures; three semesters of a one-credit Proseminar in World Religions, World Literatures; a minimum of six credits in a single religious tradition; a minimum of six credits in the literature of a single language community (either in one historical period or two consecutive historical periods) or in the literature of single pair of language communities within one historical period; and a minimum of three credits that involve the reading of scriptural texts. A roster of eligible courses is approved by the faculty advisory committee for the concentration in World Religions, World Literatures, and additional courses may be approved by the student’s advisor.
Concentration in Religion, Politics, and Conflict
In tandem with the standard requirements for the master’s degree, students are expected to complete two three-credit methods courses from RELG 5760 Religion, Violence & Strategy, RELG Religion and Foreign Affairs, or RELG 5740 Religion & War; a minimum of six graded course credits in a single religious tradition; a one-credit Proseminar in Religion, Politics and Conflict; and a two-credit research practicum. A roster of eligible courses is approved by the faculty advisory committee for the concentration in Religion, Politics and Conflict, and additional courses may be approved by the student’s advisor. Students are expected to complete a capstone project that makes an original contribution to the study of religion-related violence.
Doctor of Philosophy
Of the 72 credits required for the degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 45 credits of graded coursework by the conclusion of the fifth semester, including RELG 7360 (The Study of Religion) during the first semester.
Students are expected to submit a summary progress report at the conclusion of each semester of study.
Students are expected to file an approved plan for language acquisition at the end of the first semester. Before sitting for comprehensive examinations, students are expected to demonstrate a reading knowledge of at least one modern research language.
Students are expected to file an approved comprehensive examination plan at the end of their first semester.
Upon finishing coursework, students are expected to hold a research conference with their prospective dissertation advisor and two other faculty members in their area to discuss dissertation ideas and a timetable for taking comprehensive exams.
Students are expected to pass comprehensive examinations in their field of specialization by the conclusion of the sixth semester.
Students are expected to complete all requirements stated above by the conclusion of the sixth semester.
Within six months of the completion of comprehensive examinations, students are expected to obtain approval of a dissertation proposal.
Students are expected to write and defend a dissertation.
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