Religious Studies
451 College, 432.0828
M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Chair
Dale Martin
Director of Graduate Studies
Harry Stout (432.0828, harry.stout@yale.edu)
Professors
Marilyn McCord Adams, Robert Adams (Philosophy), Harold Attridge (Divinity School), Gerhard Böwering, Jon Butler, Marcia Colish, Adela Collins (Divinity School), John J. Collins (Divinity School), Carlos Eire, Jamal Elias, Margaret Farley (Divinity School), Steven Fraade, Christine Hayes, Paula Hyman, Serene Jones (Divinity School), David Kelsey (Divinity School), Bentley Layton, Ivan Marcus, Dale Martin, Chaim Milikowsky, Thomas Ogletree (Divinity School), Gene Outka, Daniel Schwartz, Harry Stout, Miroslav Volf (Divinity School), Stanley Weinstein, Robert Wilson
Assistant Professors
Shannon Craigo-Snell, Stephen Davis, Frank Griffel, Israel Koren, Jonathan Silk, Ludger Viefhues
Lecturers
Beth Berkowitz, Hugh Flick, Jr.
Fields of Study
Students must enroll in one of the following fields of study: American Religious History, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, History of Ancient Christianity, Islamic Studies, Judaic Studies, New Testament, Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics, and Theology.
Special Admissions Requirement
The department requires the scores of the GRE General Test and previous study in areas relevant to the chosen field of study, including ancient languages where applicable.
Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
Twelve term courses must be completed, in which the Graduate School Honors requirement must be met. Proficiency in two modern scholarly languages, normally French and German, must be shown, one before the end of the first year, the other before the beginning of the third; this may be done by passing an examination administered by the department, by accreditation from a Yale Summer School course designed for this purpose, or by a grade of A or B in one of Yale's intermediate language courses. Mastery of the languages needed in one's chosen field (e.g., Chinese, Hebrew, Greek, Japanese) is also required in certain fields of study. A set of four qualifying examinations is designed for each student, following guidelines and criteria set by each field of study; these are normally completed in the third year. The dissertation prospectus must be approved by a colloquium, and the completed dissertation by a committee of readers and the departmental faculty. Upon completion of all predissertation requirements, including the prospectus, students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. This is expected before the seventh term in American Religious History, Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics, and Theology; before the eighth term in other fields. Students begin writing their dissertation in the fourth year and normally will have finished by the end of the sixth. There is no oral examination on the dissertation.
In the Department of Religious Studies, students teach as teaching fellows during their third and fourth years. The faculty considers such teaching to be an important and integral component of the professional training of its graduate students.
A combined Ph.D. degree is available with African American Studies. Consult departments for details.
Master's Degrees
M.Phil. and M.A. (both en route to the Ph.D.). See Graduate School requirements. Alternatively, the Department of Religious Studies offers, in conjunction with the Medieval Studies program, a joint M.Phil. degree. For further details, see Medieval Studies.
Prospective students must apply in one of the nine fields of study, and when requesting information they should specify their particular field of interest. Program materials are available upon request to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Religious Studies, Yale University, PO Box 208287, New Haven CT 06520-8287.
Courses
RLST 505bu, Apocalyptic Religion in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Robert Wilson. Th 1.30–3.20
An examination of millennial and "end-time" beliefs in a variety of cultures around the world. Attention given to Jewish and Christian texts as well as Native American traditions, African and Pacific Islander movements, and modern manifestations such as Jonestown, the Branch Davidians, and Heaven's Gate.
RLST 510a, Theories in the Study of Religion: Genealogy of the Body. Ludger Viefhues. Th 4–6
The topic of this graduate-level seminar in theory and methods in the study of religion changes annually. This year we explore the emergence of the "body" as theoretical focus in scholarship on religion. What are the reasons for this new focus? Which topics are addressed through the "body" and what kind of "body" is discursively created within the study of religion? Through these questions we connect themes raised by theoretical reflections on the body in philosophy, anthropology, science, and psychology with concerns of some "foundational texts" in the study of religion (e.g., Weber, Otto, Eliade) and current writings on the body in religious studies (Obeyesekere, Walker-Bynum).
RLST 524a, Research Seminar in U.S. and European History. Jon Butler. T 10.30–12.20
This research seminar focuses on the craft/art of writing an article. Students may write on any subject in U.S. and European social, political, and religious history in the early modern to modern era. Also AMST 721a, HIST 721a.
RLST 534b, The Life and Thought of Jonathan Edwards. Harry Stout. W 1.30–3.20
RLST 560au, Understanding Buddhist Scriptures. Jonathan Silk. M 1.30–3.20
An introduction to the study of Buddhist scriptures. Issues include what defines a scripture, canonicity, the classification of scriptures, the role of commentary, translation and its problems, and intertextuality. Reading and discussion of Buddhist scriptures in translation, as well as theoretical works on scripture.
RLST 601b, The Required New Testament/Ancient Christianity Seminar: Non-Canonical Literature in the Nag Hammadi Hoard. Bentley Layton. M 2–3.50
The topic and instructor of this seminar change yearly. This year we survey all of the works transmitted in the so-called Nag Hammadi hoard, initially treating them as non-canonical literature rather than heresy and without presupposing a social context. Problems of classification, genre theory, literary form, and intellectual affiliation arise. Required of all Ph.D. students in New Testament and Ancient Christianity; open to other students only by permission of the instructor.
RLST 615b, Johannine Literature. Harold Attridge. Th 1.30–3.20
This seminar focuses on the interpretation of the Fourth Gospel and the Johannine Epistles, with attention both to the ancient context in which those documents were composed and to contemporary trends in the analysis of ancient narratives. The objective of this course is to enhance advanced exegetical and interpretive skills by a close reading of the Fourth Gospel and a critical engagement with contemporary interpreters. Also REL 688b.
RLST 651au, Introduction to the History of Christianity in the Ancient World: Jesus to Augustine. Bentley Layton. MW 10.30–11.20, 1 HTBA
The rise of Christianity and the development of Western culture into the Middle Ages, including the creation of Christian orthodoxy; religious, political, social, gender, literary, and theological history of Christian religion in many forms. No previous background assumed. Also NELC 726au.
RLST 653bu, Introduction to Gnostic Texts in Coptic. Bentley Layton.
RLST 658au, Egyptian Monastic Literature in Coptic. Bentley Layton.
RLST 665a, Patristic Greek. Stephen Davis. MW 9–10.15
This course is designed to help students develop their skills in reading the Greek literature produced in late antiquity by early Christian writers. The primary readings for the class are a selection of texts representing a variety of literary and theological genres, including an early Christian epistle, a hagiographical narrative, a theological treatise, and a sermon. Each week, student preparation involves grammatical analysis and translation of the assigned reading. Class time is devoted to further analysis of grammatical, stylistic, and theological issues in the texts. By the end of the course, students should be prepared to do independent research in original Greek-language sources from the early church.
RLST 669bu, Christianity in the Ancient Middle East: Egypt and North Africa. Stephen Davis. TTh 1–2.15
A study of the history of Christianity in the ancient Middle East, beginning with its origins in the first two centuries and ending with the rise of Islam in the seventh century. Lectures, readings, and discussions focus on the theological, social, and political development of the Christian religion in Egypt and North Africa.
RLST 673bu, Early Christian Pilgrimage. Stephen Davis. Th 3.30–5.20
An examination of the theory and practice of pilgrimage in the early church through the study of ancient documents and artifacts, including pilgrims' diaries, miracle accounts connected with saints and martyrs, and the art and architecture of Christian holy places.
RLST 679bu, Critical Issues in the Renaissance and Reformation. Marcia Colish. T 1.30–3.20
This course considers debates of historians on major controversial issues in Renaissance and Reformation history, treating church history, political history, and social history. Topics include continuities and discontinuities between late medieval religion and the Reformation; Florentine civic humanism and its causes; women, children, and theology as political ideology in the period. Some prior background preferred. Also HIST 561bu.
RLST 702a, Seminar on the Qur'an. Gerhard Böwering. Th 3–5
Intensive study of the Qur'an. Readings in the literature of Qur'anic commentary. Special emphasis on the pre-Islamic background of the Qur'an. Prerequisite: reading knowledge of Arabic; permission of the instructor.
RLST 704b, Seminar in Sufi Thought. Jamal Elias. M 2–4
A reading and analysis of Sufi works from the tenth to fourteenth century C.E., with special emphasis on texts that outline notions of the structure of the cosmos and the method and nature of our perception thereof. Prerequisite: reading knowledge of Arabic.
RLST 709b, The Pseudo-Maqasid of al-Ghazali. Frank Griffel. Th 2.30–4.20
Introduction into the life and works of al-Ghazali, focusing on the period immediately preceding and following the Incoherence of the Philosophers (Tahafut al-falasifa). We mainly read and discuss the Aims of the Philosophers (Maqasid al-falasifa), and the so-called pseudo-Maqasid, a manuscript that most probably represents a hitherto unknown text by al-Ghazali. Readings in Arabic.
RLST 752au, Mishnah Seminar: Tractate Berakhot (Blessing). Steven Fraade. Th 9.30–11.20
Mishnah Berakhot, dealing with the recitation of public and private prayers and blessings. What do these legal traditions reflect of rabbinic attitudes toward worship as understood in historical context? Prerequisite: reading knowledge of Hebrew.
RLST 756a, The Required Second Temple Judaism Seminar: Wisdom and Retribution. John Collins. W 1.30–3.20
This course considers the ideas of retribution in Jewish wisdom literature, beginning in Proverbs, proceeding through Qoheleth, Ben Sira, and the wisdom literature in the Dead Sea Scrolls, and concluding with the Wisdom of Solomon and 4 Ezra. The central portion of the course focuses on a close reading of the fragmentary Qumran text, 4Qinstruction. Ability to read unpointed Hebrew is essential. Ability to read Greek is highly desirable. Required for Ph.D. students in Hebrew Bible and ancient Judaism, and M.A.R. students in Judaism. Also REL 657a.
RLST 758bu, Hellenistic Jewish Historiography Daniel Schwartz. T 9.30–11.20
An introduction to the historical writings of Jews in the Hellenistic-Roman period. The books of Maccabees, works by Philo, Josephus, and others are studied both as historiography and as expressions of the values of Jews seeking their way in a multicultural world.
RLST 760au, Midrash Seminar: Leviticus Rabbah. Chaim Milikowsky. T 3.30–5.20
An examination and analysis of the world of rabbinic midrash. A text-oriented course that considers how the Rabbis read the Bible, the modes of rabbinic exegesis, the nature of the oral and written transmission of midrashic traditions and texts, and the conceptual and ideological world-view of the Rabbis. Prerequisite: reading knowledge of Hebrew.
RLST 761a, Ancient Judaisms and Their Scriptures. Steven Fraade. T 9.30–11.20
RLST 773au, History of Jewish Culture to the Reformation. Ivan Marcus. TTh 11.30–12.45
RLST 774bu, History of Jewish Culture, 1500 to the Present. Paula Hyman. TTh 10.30–11.20
A brief introduction to the history of Jewish culture from the late Middle Ages until the pres-ent. Emphasis on the changing interaction of Jews with the larger society as well as the transformation of Judaism in its encounter with modernity. Also HIST 566bu.
RLST 777bu, History of the Jews in Muslim Lands. Ivan Marcus. TTh 11.30–12.45
Introduction to Jewish culture and society in Muslim lands from the Prophet Muhammad to Suleiman the Magnificent. Topics include Islam and Judaism; Jerusalem as a holy site; rabbinic leadership and literature in Baghdad; Jewish couriers, poets, and philosophers in Muslim Spain; the Jews in the Ottoman Empire.
RLST 780bu, Dialogue and Mysticism in the Philosophy of Martin Buber. Israel Koren. W 1.30–3.20
An examination of the mystical aspects of Martin Buber's early and late philosophical writings with special attention to the connection between mysticism and dialogue. Approaches Buber's work from historical, phenomenological, and philosophical standpoints.
RLST 788au, European Jews in the Age of Emancipation. Paula Hyman.
RLST 791au, Jews in Eastern Europe, 1750–1939. Paula Hyman. TTh 2.30–3.45
RLST 795au, Women and Judaism. Paula Hyman. T 9.30–11.20
An examination of the changing status and roles of women within Judaism and Jewish history. Topics include women in Jewish law; the social, domestic, and religious roles of women in the modern period; and the development of Jewish feminism. Also HIST 950au.
RLST 801a, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Bible Seminar: Problems in the History of Israelite Religion. Robert Wilson. M 1.30–3.20
RLST 810b, The Book of Daniel and Related Literature. John Collins. T 1.30–3.20
Exegesis of the Book of Daniel and of some related Aramaic texts from Qumran. Also REL 697b.
RLST 812a, Tradition and Ideology in the Book of Jeremiah. Carolyn Sharp. W 1.30–3.20
This course probes a variety of complex interpretive issues in the composition, redaction, and theopolitics of the Book of Jeremiah. We attend to synchronic questions of literary artistry and diachronic issues evident in the Weiterschreibung of earlier Jeremianic material within the book. We explore the call of Jeremiah and the role of the prophet generally, particularly as that has been constructed over against paradigmatic biblical intercessors and false prophets. We consider the text's virulent sociopolitical polemics and possibilities for the contextualization of those ideologies in the history of sixth-century Judah and in the world constructed by the text. We inquire after the rhetorical and theological functions of judgment oracles, paraenesis, and oracles against foreign nations, prophetic laments, and oracles of promise in Jeremiah. And we reflect on the self-conscious dynamic interplay between orality and "writtenness" in the text's representation of the transmission of and resistance to Jeremiah's prophesying. Also REL 690a.
RLST 852a, Agape and Special Relations. Gene Outka. M 1.30–3.20
The aim overall is to explore possible links between the love commandments and different sorts of special relations. We consider depictions of agape and the claims of particular bonds between persons, and examine four different special relations: among religionists (especially ties among those in the church); among members of the political community (including the relations between the Christian community and the civil community); among family members (between spouses, and parents and children); and among friends (and the place generally of preferential relations). Readings come from both contemporary and historical sources, including Aelred of Rievaulx, On Spiritual Friendship; Joseph L. Allen, Love and Conflict; Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics (trans. David Ross); Soren Kierkegaard, Works of Love; David Little, Ukraine: The Legacy of Intolerance; Gilbert Meilaender, Friendship; Stephen G. Post, Spheres of Love: Toward a New Ethic of the Family. Also REL 778a.
RLST 860b, Advanced Medical Ethics. Margaret Farley. Th 1.30–3.20
Also REL 886b.
RLST 862b, Religion and Morality. Gene Outka. W 1.30–3.20
RLST 912b, The Life and Thought of Martin Luther. Miroslav Volf, Ronald Rittgers. W 1.30–3.20
This course examines the intellectual biography of Martin Luther from both a theological and a historical perspective. It focuses primarily on Luther's theology of grace. The course stresses close reading of select theological treatises and critical engagement of recent Luther scholarship. Also HIST 559b, REL 762b.
RLST 920au, Reason, Faith, and Feeling: Early Modern Christian Thought. Shannon Craigo-Snell. TTh 10.30–11.20, 1 HTBA
A survey of major developments in religious thought in the West from Descartes to Schleiermacher, focusing on the struggles to defend, discredit, or distance religious belief in relation to reason. Explores connections between theology, philosophy, and social history. No prior background is required.
RLST 921bu, History, Hope, and the Self: Modern Christian Thought. Shannon Craigo-Snell. TTh 10.30–11.20, 1 HTBA
An overview of important developments in Western religious thought during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Topics include changing understandings of the significance and movements of history, challenges posed to religious traditions by growing historical knowledge, shifting conceptions of the human person, and contrasting estimations of the role of religious persons in secular and political life. Addresses connections between philosophy, theology, and social history. Authors include Hegel, Marx, Barth, and Gutierrez. No prior background is required.
RLST 935b, The Turn to the Non-Subject in Twentieth-Century Christian Theology. Shannon Craigo-Snell. Th 1.30–3.20
An examination of shifting views of the priority, responsibility, construction, and coherence of the self in contemporary theology, including feminist, political, liberation, and postmodern texts.
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