Religion, PhD

The doctoral program in Religion requires a general knowledge of religion, achieved from an undergraduate program in religion, a Master’s program in religion, or a degree from a school of theology.

Students admitted to the PhD in Religion should refer to the Religion Student Handbook for the year in which they begin the program for complete details.

Admission requirements are detailed in the Admission section of the Bulletin.

Degree Requirements

Coursework. A minimum of 72 units are required. All PhD students must take REL 301 and REL 401. Specific course requirements vary by concentration. Students consult with their advisors before selecting courses and registering each semester.

Transfer Credit. The University’s policy on transfer credit applies. A maximum of 24 units may be transferred in from previous graduate study in Religion or a related field. Coursework should be drawn mostly from 400-level course offerings, although a number of 300-level courses may be accepted.

Secondary Languages/Research Tool Requirement. All doctoral students are required to fulfill two research tools, at least one of which must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a secondary research language, such as German, French, Spanish, or Arabic. Area faculty, in consultation with the student, determine which languages best prepare the student for research in their chosen field of study. With the approval of the student’s advisor, a research methodology, such as quantitative methods or ethnographic methods, may fulfill the second research tool requirement.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete their first research tool prior to completion of the first 24 units of coursework.

Qualifying Exams. Upon completion of coursework, students take their qualifying exams. The composition and structure of exams vary according to concentration. Policies and procedures are detailed in the Doctoral Degree Regulations section of the Bulletin.

Dissertation. Policies and procedures are detailed in the Doctoral Degree Regulations section of the Bulletin.

University Policies. University policies detailed in the Academic Policies section of the Bulletin apply.

Religion Concentrations

Areas of concentration may entail additional degree requirements. Refer to the program’s Student Handbook for detailed information.

Critical Comparative Scripture
History of Christianity and Religions in North America
Philosophy of Religion and Theology
Women’s Studies in Religion

Continental Philosophy Concentration

Requirements for the concentration are:

Four courses in Kantian and post-Kantian continental philosophy with the approval of advisor (Note: the presumption is that pre-Kantian philosophies will not be considered a course in continental although, on an individual basis, may be considered upon the recommendation of the instructor)
Capstone/final paper on continental thought (for Philosophy or Cultural Studies MA only)
For Philosophy PhD students, one folio paper in the area of continental thought
French or German as a Research Tool

Note: in some cases, fulfilling the requirements of this concentration as well as the core requirements for the student’s degree may involve additional units or Research Tools. Students should always consult with their academic advisor before adding a concentration to their degree program.

American Studies Concentration

Student will work closely with a faculty advisor to pursue an intellectually unified course of study that will include seminars in their department as well as seminars cross-listed with participating CGU departments and The Claremont Colleges. A minimum of four seminars should be taken in the student’s home department, and a minimum of two seminars in other disciplines. Interested students should discuss this concentration with their advisor.

Early Modern Studies Concentration

The Early Modern Studies concentration encompasses study in the disciplines of English, History, and Philosophy, while retaining disciplinary focus in one of those fields. Students interested in this concentration should consult with Dr. Lori Anne Ferrell.

For master’s students, this discrete course of study complements coursework in archival and museum studies and/or prepares students for application to doctoral programs in early modern, Renaissance, or Reformation literature, history, or philosophy.

For doctoral students, the concentration prepares students for research and teaching at the college or university level.

Coursework

Coursework requirements complement and do not replace departmental/program requirements, and are as follows:

Five courses in the early modern period (for English or History, 1500-1750 | for Philosophy, 1600-1800), of which two courses must be in a discipline other than the one in which the student is receiving the degree.
Course in Paleography
Course in Latin Reading (this course is not required but may be taken for credit; fulfillment of the research tool in Latin is by exam only)
One course or workshop based upon bibliographic inquiry into the extensive collections of modern print and manuscripts housed in the Special Collections of the The Claremont Colleges Library

Research Tools

For MA students, the Early Modern Studies concentration requires a second Research Tool. The two Research Tools for the concentration must be completed through language exams in German or French and in Latin. If a Latin Reading course is taken in preparation for the exam, this course may be used for credit toward the degree/concentration.

For PhD students, the Early Modern Studies concentration requires a third Research Tool. The three Research Tools for the concentration must be completed through language exams in German, French, and Latin. If a Latin Reading course is taken in preparation for the exam, this course may be used for credit toward the degree/concentration.

Hemispheric and Transnational Studies Concentration

Requirements

For MA Students

16 units in seminars designated as “hemispheric or transnational” in scope
A capstone/final paper (in Cultural Studies only) on hemispheric or transnational literatures or cultural theories
One language requirement (Research Tool) in Spanish, French, Portuguese, or Creole (other languages may be considered by student request.)

For PhD Students

16 units in seminars designated as “hemispheric or transnational” in scope
A capstone/final paper (in Cultural Studies only) on hemispheric or transnational literatures or cultural theories
One language requirement (Research Tool) in Spanish, French, Portuguese, or Creole (other languages may be considered by student request.)
Either a major or a minor qualifying field examination in Hemispheric/Transnational Studies (determined in consultation with the advisor).

Media Studies Concentration

Coursework. 12 units of approved Media Studies courses, taught by faculty of CGU or The Claremont Colleges, are required. For Cultural Studies students, one of the student’s Research Methods courses must be int he field of Media Studies.

Internship. A four-unit Internship course is optional. Internships are scheduled for approximately 100 hours.

Museum Studies Concentration

Coursework. 8 units of approved courses in Museum Theory and History are required.

Internship. A four-unit Internship is optional. Internships are scheduled for approximately 100 hours.