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

For students pursuing a focus in Judaism, Penn's Religious Studies program excels in exploring Jewish antiquity from biblical times through late antiquity. The department aims to cultivate scholars capable of interpreting biblical and ancient Jewish writings while generating fresh insights into Judaism during its formative historical phase. Penn's Graduate Group in Religious Studies integrates diverse fields of specialization. Our expertise spans not only regional contexts and historical religious practices but also methodological perspectives, such as critical examination of religion as a concept, analysis of material and visual culture, study of both ancient manuscripts and modern media, and exploration of religion's intersection with modernity and science—including themes of politics, gender, and race. 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: