PhD in Religious Studies - Christianity in Philadelphia United States | University of Pennsylvania

Graduate students in this field can focus on examining both contemporary (American Religion, African American religion, Pentecostalism, and Evangelicalism) and historical (Syriac Christianity, early Christianity, Middle Eastern Christianity, and Byzantine) expressions of Christianity. Our exploration of Christian history and culture incorporates diverse methodological and theoretical perspectives, such as material culture studies, gender and sexuality research, literary analysis, media studies, and political inquiry. The Graduate Group in Religious Studies at Penn integrates multiple specialized fields. We emphasize not only regional studies and historical religious practices but also methodological frameworks, including critical examination of religion as a concept, focus on material and visual artifacts, analysis of both ancient texts and modern media, and investigation of religion's intersection with modernity and scientific thought—particularly regarding politics, gender, and racial dynamics. Instead of rigid academic tracks, we promote interdisciplinary approaches, fostering skills that equip students for academic careers while honing research and communication abilities relevant to various professional settings. Our primary research domains, presented alphabetically, encompass: