Religion Department Handbook:

Transcription

1 Religion Department Handbook: A guide to Departmental Policies and Procedures Degree requirements for Religion students are governed by the program information published in the archived Bulletin and the Department Handbook for the academic year in which a student began coursework at the University. Updated 8/26/14

2 Contents Introduction... 4 General Information for New and Continuing Students... 4 Mail... 4 Student ID Cards... 4 Information Technology... 5 Student Portal Canvas and Sakai... 5 Staff and Faculty Contact Information... 5 CGU/CUC Resources... 5 Registration and Degree Forms... 6 Certificate Programs... 6 General Policies and Procedures... 6 Academic Honesty... 6 Satisfactory Academic Progress... 6 Editorial Assistance and Publication of Theses/Dissertations... 7 Required Use of Interfolio for Letters of Recommendation... 7 Worksheets... 7 Advising/Registration... 7 Receiving Your Degree/Graduating... 8 MA Students... 8 PhD Students... 8 Language Requirements and Research Tools... 9 MA Programs Requirements for All MA Programs Units Courses Languages Thesis Time Limit MA Programs Specific Requirements MA in Religion The MA in Islamic Studies The MA in Women s Studies in Religion PhD Programs General Requirements for the PhD Units Secondary Research Languages Primary Text Language Transfer of Credit Qualifying Examinations Dissertation Readers Dissertation Committee PhD Program Specific Requirements Critical Comparative Scriptures (CCS) Area History of Christianity and Religions of North America (HCRNA) Area Philosophy of Religion and Philosophy (PRT) Area... 22

3 Women s Studies in Religion (WSR) Area Individualized Programs Ph.D. Programs in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and Theology, Ethics & Culture Appendix I: Forms Coursework Completion Worksheets Supervisory Committee Request Form: M.A. in WSR Thesis Proposal Approval Form: M.A. in WSR Major Paper Form Qualifying Exam Schedule Form Religion Department Advisor Report Form Appendix II: Advising/Registration FAQs Appendix III: Who should I see in the Arts & Humanities office if I have a question?... 41

4 Introduction The purpose of this Handbook for the Religion Department is to provide new and continuing students with information about policies, procedures, and degree requirements for the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Religion, which are not included or explained in detail in the CGU Bulletin or on the CGU or School of Arts and Humanities (SAH) websites. Each student s program requirements are governed by the CGU Bulletin and the Religion Department Handbook published during the first year of enrollment. This handbook is, therefore, an essential guide and supplement for obtaining a degree in Religion at CGU. Please note that most of the information students need in order to complete their degree at CGU can be found on the website. Therefore, it is extremely important to become familiar with both the CGU and SAH websites, especially the Student Services webpage. On this site, students can find important links to resources for student life and academic policies and procedures (i.e. the academic calendar, student health services, the Writing Center, IT help desk, forms for completing a degree, etc.). Additionally, the SAH website contains important information, such as contact information for all SAH faculty and staff, an event calendar, and links to special resources for SAH students. While much important information is available on the CGU website, the SAH office and staff always welcome students questions. The office is located at 831 North Dartmouth Avenue and is open from 8:30 5:30, Monday through Friday (except major holidays). The main phone number for the office is General Information for New and Continuing Students Mail Students may occasionally receive mail and/or packages at the Arts & Humanities office if necessary. You will be notified via your CGU account if any packages or mail arrives for you. Student ID Cards The Claremont Card Center provides ID card services for The Claremont Colleges. Students should visit the Card Center located in the CUC Connection office in the South Entrance of Honnold Library during their first week of class as they will need this card for various services at CGU, including many library services. There is no charge for an initial ID card. The Card Center also manages the Claremont Cash program. Claremont Cash can be used to purchase both food and non-food items throughout The Claremont Colleges, as well as local merchants in and around Claremont. All students, faculty, and staff of The Claremont Colleges have a Claremont Cash account established as soon as their ID card is created. Funds may be deposited into an account via the Card Center s website or office. For more information about the Card Center, students can visit the website at 4

5 Information Technology CGU and the Claremont University Consortium (CUC) offer many technological tools for students, including campus-wide wireless internet access, , online access to student accounts, grades, and class schedules, web-based instructional tools, and the ability to request and/or rent technical equipment for special events or classes. Information about these services, including answers to frequently asked questions can be found on CGU s Office of Information Technology webpage, Student Portal It is extremely important that students check and use their Student Portals. The Student Portal serves as the gateway for students to check , access course management tools, register for classes, check their grades, check their academic progress, view their student account, and make changes to their personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers. The Student Portal may be accessed at the following web address, Login information for the Student Portal is provided to students after the first time they register either via U.S. Mail, , or at New Student Orientation. For help logging on or for a new username and/or password, please contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT). Every student at CGU is given an account. It is extremely important for students to check their CGU accounts regularly. CGU and the SAH office will only send to CGU accounts in order to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Many courses require work done by , and many professors distribute course information by this medium. Account information is provided to each student at the New Student Orientation. If you cannot attend orientation please see Susan Hampson to collect your orientation packet, which includes network account information. Note: It is possible to forward CGU to a different account. Instructions for doing this may be found at the following Office of Information Technology webpage Canvas and Sakai Canvas and Sakai are course management tools used by some professors at CGU to post syllabi and readings and/or to facilitate online discussions for their classes. CGU is currently switching systems from Sakai to Canvas. If a professor still uses Sakai, it can be accessed at the following web address: Logon information is identical to that used to access the Student Portal. Canvas can be accessed directly from the Student Portal. Staff and Faculty Contact Information For a complete and current listing of Arts and Humanities Faculty and Staff contact and/or biographical information, please visit the Arts and Humanities website at Please see Appendix III for a list of office staff and how they can help you during your time at CGU. CGU/CUC Resources For a list of current student resources at CGU, please visit the School of Arts and Humanities website at the main CGU website under Current Students at as well as the Claremont University Consortium (CUC) 5

6 website, Examples of resources that students can find on these sites are funding opportunities, career services, health services, the library, information technology, and many more. Registration and Degree Forms There are important forms that students will need to complete their degree requirements at CGU, such as registration forms, the Intent to Receive a Degree Form, and the Final Approval Form (M.A./Certificate). Electronic versions of most of these forms can be found on the Office of Student Records/Registrar webpage, Certificate Programs The School of Arts and Humanities offers several Certificate Programs, which students can earn concurrently with the degree for which they are enrolled. For more information about these certificate options and their requirements, please see the Certificate section of the Bulletin. General Policies and Procedures CGU s policies and procedures are available through the Student Services webpage. Some of these policies include Academic Honesty, Sexual Harassment, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students should familiarize themselves with these policies. The History Department has made additions to some of these CGU policies, which are explained below. Academic Honesty In addition to the Standards of Academic Honesty contained in the Bulletin, the Religion Department considers the multiple submission of written work for courses as an issue of academic integrity. It is improper to submit the work done for one class or project to a second class or as a second project without first getting the informed permission of both instructors. Some instructors allow overlapping work between courses. In such cases, students must obtain the agreement of all relevant instructors. Satisfactory Academic Progress The Religion Department adheres to the General Requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined in the Bulletin with the following additions: SAP refers to maintaining an appropriate (as distinct from minimally acceptable) academic record reaching the various stages of progress in the department at or near the time expected of the majority of students. In addition, students must demonstrate a level of research and writing ability and class performance appropriate to the standards of graduate study. Cases of students not maintaining satisfactory progress will be reviewed by the department advisor and department director, who will take appropriate action. The department takes satisfactory progress into account in awarding financial support. Students should also be aware that CGU maintains a policy on satisfactory academic progress for eligibility for financial aid. Information is available through the Office of Student Financing. 6

7 Editorial Assistance and Publication of Theses/Dissertations All graduate students must follow University regulations regarding editorial assistance and publishing of theses and dissertations. In addition to these regulations, the School of Arts and Humanities has its own policy regarding editorial assistance. A student preparing a dissertation or other written work as part of academic requirements may, when allowed, use the assistance of professional editors, provided that the following rules are observed: The student receives prior approval of the research advisor or professor to whom the written work is being submitted. The student receives assistance only in style, usage and organization of language and not in the subject matter of the written work. The student acknowledges and describes all editorial assistance on a written document. This document is to be submitted along with the written work. Required Use of Interfolio for Letters of Recommendation Interfolio is an online service that manages, tracks, and delivers application and dossier materials to graduate schools and for jobs, as well as confidential letters of recommendation. In order to ensure the timely and reliable delivery of your letters All Arts and Humanities students are required to use the service for all confidential letters of reference (unless your advisor/letter writer chooses otherwise). We recommend that you use the service for the management and delivery of your dossier and other application materials as well, but that is ultimately up to you. Although almost all universities have moved to online applications, we recognize that there are some that request letters be sent by mail directly from applicants and their letter writers. We will work with you to ensure these letters are sent through our office, but please remember that the letter writer is managing many requests and the ultimate responsibility for follow-up remains with you. Note that for online applications you can direct the letter of recommendation request to your Interfolio account. For more detailed information about Interfolio, please visit the CGU Office of Career Management s webpage: Online Course Policy MA students may take a maximum of 2 online courses for credit. Students may also transfer in a maximum of 2 online courses for credit. Doctoral students will not be allowed to take online courses for credit; any exceptions will require approval from their advisor. Worksheets At the end of this handbook are sample worksheets designed for projecting the entire degree program. Each student should complete these forms in consultation with his or her advisor. Advising/Registration When students first enter the Religion Department, they will be assigned an academic advisor. A student may change his or her advisor at any time, selecting from among the members of the core faculty or, in special circumstances approved by the department chair, the active consortium 7

8 faculty. This faculty member must agree to be the student s new advisor. Once an agreement has been made, the student should notify the Student Support Secretary. A student s advisor will oversee the student s progress throughout his or her graduate career. When the student chooses a different faculty member as director of his or her MA thesis or chair of his or her dissertation committee, the new faculty member becomes the student s advisor. Students are expected to work closely with their advisors. Review of a student s academic progress and program requirements by a faculty advisor is required during the two-week mandatory advising period prior to registration each semester. A registration hold will be placed on all accounts and will remain until students receive approval from their advisor/chair. Students will be notified by in advance of the mandatory advising period each semester. All students are responsible for checking in officially (in person, by , or by telephone) with their advisor or the chair of their department prior to registration each semester. Students wishing to register for classes, continuous registration, or doctoral study must first receive official approval from their advisor/chair. Only the official approval by a faculty advisor may lift the registration hold on a student s account. Receiving Your Degree/Graduating MA Students The procedure for receiving a degree during a given semester is as follows: 1. Early in the semester, check the Registrar s degree deadlines via this webpage: 2. Submit an Intent to Receive a Degree form to the Registrar s office. The deadline for submitting this form is usually within the first month of the semester. 3. Check transcript via the Student Portal to make sure you will have the required number of units for the degree as of the end of the semester. Also make sure any required Research Tools are listed on the transcript. For help in determining whether all degree requirements have been met, students can print a copy of their transcript and meet with their advisor and/or the Program Coordinator in the Arts & Humanities office. 4. Complete and submit the Final Approval form with your advisor s and thesis readers approvals to the Program Coordinator in the SAH office. The Program Coordinator will double-check your transcript to make sure you have completed all requirements and obtain the SAH Dean s approval on your form before submitting it to the Registrar. Usually, this form is due about three weeks before the end of the semester. Please check the Registrar s degree deadline webpage for semester-specific dates: 5. The final version of your dissertation must be submitted to the Registrar s office by the degree deadline published on this webpage: For submission instructions, please visit this Registrar s webpage: PhD Students 1. The procedure for receiving a degree during a given semester is as follows: Early in the semester, check the Registrar s degree deadlines via this webpage: 8

9 2. Submit an Intent to Receive a Degree form to the Registrar s office. The deadline for submitting this form is usually within the first month of the semester. 3. Check transcript via the Student Portal to make sure you will have the required number of units for the degree as of the end of the semester. Also make sure any required Research Tools are listed on the transcript. For help in determining whether all degree requirements have been met, students can print a copy of their transcript and meet with their advisor and/or the Program Coordinator in the Arts & Humanities office. 4. After arranging a date and time for your oral defense with your dissertation committee, complete and submit the Request for Dissertation Defense Announcement form to the Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will then reserve a room and coordinate the announcement for your defense. 5. The Program Coordinator will prepare the Degree Completion Status form and have it ready on the day of your defense. On this form, your committee will approve/not approve your defense and your dissertation. If your committee approves your defense, but requires further revisions to your dissertation, you will need to submit this form again to the Program Coordinator with all your committee members approvals of the revisions by the degree deadline date listed on this webpage: 6. The final version of your dissertation must be submitted to the Registrar s office by the degree deadline published on this webpage: For submission instructions, please visit this Registrar s webpage: Language Requirements and Research Tools The university requires every MA student to have one research tool and every Ph.D. student to have two research tools. A research tool is usually reading proficiency in a foreign language. In the Religion Department, some degree programs also require language proficiency in the study of the languages used in original texts; this is referred to as a primary text language. Students will take the exam on campus on the dates offered by the School of Arts & Humanities each semester. As an aid in distinguishing between those languages that will count as a research tool and those that will not, this Handbook will refer to two categories of language requirements: Primary Text Language MA and Ph.D. degree programs in History of Christianity (Christian origins), Critical Comparative Scriptures, and Islamic Studies require language competency in one or more languages common to the original texts under study (see degree requirements below). Students may be required to take a test upon admission to determine their level of language competency. Typically, this primary text language requirement does not satisfy the research tool requirement. Secondary Research Language To satisfy the university research tool requirement, MA students must pass an exam or show native competency in one language, and PhD students in two. Students can typically choose from among: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew (modern), Japanese, Korean, Latin, Sanskrit, and Spanish, on condition that the School of Arts and Humanities can provide 9

10 an examiner in those languages. The student s advisor and the student s area coordinator must approve any exceptions. Those whose mother tongue falls among the languages chosen or approved as above or those who have had at least three years of regular education in such a language will be exempted from the examination in that language. (Three years of regular education in such a language means more than taking three years of a particular language; it means going through three years of high school or college taking a full course of subjects required in a particular national school system conducted in that language.) The requirement is satisfied by passing a two-hour written exam given by the School of Arts and Humanities. The exam simulates a research situation: the student translates a selected passage from a previously known list of books with the aid of a dictionary. The exam is graded by an approved language instructor, who may or may not consult with Religion Department faculty. This language requirement does satisfy the university s research tool requirement. For more information, current exam dates, and to register for the exam, students should visit the Students page of the SAH website Other Research Tools All students must pass at least one language exam, as stipulated above. The second research tool for Ph.D. students may be alternately fulfilled by demonstrating competency in a methodology beyond those normally required for graduate work in religion. Examples of these additional methodologies include ethnography/oral history, statistics, and quantitative methods. This tool must be approved by the student s advisor, and is most frequently fulfilled by taking coursework in the area. These tools will be approved on a case-by-case basis, based on appropriateness for student research needs and the development of necessary competencies in a particular degree area. MA Programs The Religion Department offers four MA programs: MA in Religion. Students in this program may choose one of the following tracks of study: o General Students work in 3 areas of the study of religion o Specialized Students choose to specialize in one of the following programs: Critical Comparative Scriptures History of Christianity and Religions of North America Philosophy of Religion and Theology MA in Islamic Studies MA in Women s Studies in Religion MA in Religion and American Politics (joint program offered by Department of Religion and the School of Politics and Economics) Requirements for All MA Programs Units All MA degree programs require a minimum of 48 semester units of credit. Up to 10 units may be transferred from an accredited graduate institution in courses relevant to the student s program for which a grade of B- or better was earned. Students may submit a transfer of credit form after they have completed 12 CGU units. 10

11 Courses All MA students must take REL 362, Theories of Religion. This course will introduce the major approaches to the study of religion in the modern West. Methodological issues in the study of religion will be introduced through readings of interpreters and observers of religious beliefs and rituals. These issues will be studied in light of the rise of the humanities and the social sciences in the post-enlightenment West. The course is also designed to help prepare students to teach an introductory course in religious studies. All other courses will be selected in consultation with the student s academic advisor. Languages As their research tool, all MA students must satisfy the Secondary Research Language Requirement described above. Specialized MA degree programs in Comparative Scriptures, Islamic Studies, and History of Christianity (Christian origins), require the additional completion of courses in a primary text language (see descriptions below). Other specialized degree programs may, at the discretion of the area faculty, require a primary text language depending upon the nature of a student s research plan. Thesis An MA Thesis is to be prepared in consultation with the student s advisor or advisory committee (advisor and second reader) and is normally pages in length. Students may take a minimum of two units and a maximum of 10 units for thesis credit. All theses require a second reader; theses for WSR require a committee of three. Except to fulfill specific program requirements (such as in WSR), a thesis defense is optional. Guidelines for preparing the thesis are available from the Arts and Humanities Office. All theses must conform in format and style to the CGU guidelines. For information on guidelines and procedures, please visit the Student Services webpage Time Limit The institutional time limit for completing the MA degree is five calendar years from initial registration, regardless of the student s course load per semester. A student may petition for an extension of time. Extensions in the MA program are normally for one year. MA Programs Specific Requirements MA in Religion Students in the general MA in Religion program must complete a minimum of 12 units in three different areas. Students in the Specialized MA program are required to register for a minimum of 28 units of credit in their area of specialization and a minimum of eight units of credit in an area or areas outside of their specialization. Students in both programs may register for up to 10 units of REL 399, Thesis Research. Language instruction taken to meet the Secondary Research Language Requirement does not count toward the required 48 units. However, students may count up to 12 units of courses in a primary text language toward the required minimum of 28 units of credit in their area of specialization. 11

12 General MA in Religion The general MA degree program in religion is designed to give students a strong foundation in the scholarly study of religion through courses and research in three major areas of the study of religion. Students may choose 3 areas from the following: History of Christianity and Religions of North America; Islamic Studies; Critical Comparative Scriptures; Mormon Studies; Philosophy of Religion and Theology; and Women s Studies in Religion. Other areas may be considered with the approval of the student s advisor and department chair. There is no primary text language requirement. This MA degree program provides the greatest breadth of preparation for researching and teaching in the field of religion and religious studies. for pursuing doctoral studies in religious studies or related disciplines, and for a wide range of work and service in religious, civic, and professional communities. Specialized MA in Religion Critical Comparative Scriptures: The specialized MA degree program in Critical Comparative Scriptures is designed to give students a strong foundation in the scholarly study of scriptures and their histories, including the Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East, the New Testament and early Christianity, and the Qur an and early Islam. This foundation is given through courses and research in the following areas: biblical Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, and other ancient languages; the history of the Ancient Near East, the exegesis, theology, and hermeneutics of the Hebrew Bible, and Early Judaism; the diversification of Early Christianity, ascetic and world-renunciation pieties and ideologies, women s traditions and forms of pieties, Gnostic Christianities, Greek epic and Gospel traditions; early Islam, the traditions of commentaries on the Qur an, and contemporary interpretations of the Qur an; the history, politics, and comparative phenomenology of scriptures in society and culture and histories of cultural (especially subaltern) representations of biblical rhetoric and piety. All students must pass an intermediate course in biblical Hebrew, biblical Greek, or Arabic to meet the primary text language requirement. The degree will provide preparation for further doctoral studies in Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Qur anic Studies, comparative textual studies, and other areas of the study of religion and related disciplines, as well as for a wide range of work and service in religious, civic, and professional communities. History of Christianity and Religions of North America: The specialized MA degree program in History of Christianity and Religions of North America is designed to give students a strong foundation in the scholarly study of either or both the history of Christianity and/or religions in North America. This foundation is given through courses and research in the following areas: Christian origins, medieval/reformation Christianity, Reformation/early modern Christianity, modern Christianity, American religion, and theories and methods of historical research. Some students may need to pass a course in a primary text language depending upon their area of research. The degree will provide preparation for doctoral studies in the history of Christianity or religions of North America, other areas of the study of religion and related disciplines, and for a wide range of work and service in 12

13 religious, civic, and professional communities. Philosophy of Religion and Theology: The specialized MA degree program in Philosophy of Religion and Theology is designed to give students a strong foundation in Philosophy of Religion and Theology through a rich variety of courses in major issues, movements, and thinkers in philosophy of religion and theology. There is no primary text language requirement. The degree will provide preparation for doctoral studies in philosophy of religion and theology, other areas of the study of religion and related disciplines, and for a wide range of work and service in religious, civic, and professional communities. MA in Religion & American Politics This specialized MA degree program in Religion and American Politics is designed to give students training to analyze the web of relations between religion, politics, and society. There is no primary text language requirement. The degree will prepare students for further doctoral studies as well as a wide range of work and service in civic, government, professional, and religious communities. Course Work The MA in Religion & American Politics requires students to complete 48 units (12 courses) over four semesters. Specific requirements include one required course (4 units), two required tools (8 units), one advanced tool (4 units), and eight representative elective courses (32 units). Required tools PP 481 Quantitative Research Methods Rel 362 Theories of Religion Advanced tools: one of the following PP 482 Advanced Quantitative Methods PP 484 Experimental and Qualitative Methods PP 483 Legal Research Methods Required core course PP 363 Introduction to Religion and Politics Research Paper All students are to write at least one substantial course research paper dealing with religion and politics to be reviewed by the Program Committee as part of the application for graduation. Elective courses will vary from year to year, and should be selected in consultation with the student s academic advisor. 13

14 The MA in Islamic Studies The specialized MA degree program in Islamic Studies is designed to give students a strong foundation in Islamic Studies through the study of Arabic and a range of topics including the Qur an and hadith studies, Islamic law, theology, gender, history (classical, medieval, and modern), philosophy and mysticism, and modern developments in the Muslim world. All students must pass a course in intermediate Arabic to meet the primary text language requirement. The degree will provide preparation for doctoral work in Islamic studies, other areas of the study of religion and related disciplines, and for a wide range of work and service in religious, civic, and professional communities. Course Work The MA in Islamic Studies requires 48 units of coursework. This consists of 24 units of courses on Islam, which should be selected in consultation with the advisor. Additional coursework should include at least 8 units of comparative courses (on subjects other than Islam), a maximum of 12 units of Arabic language courses, and the 4-unit Theories of Religion (REL 362) course. Arabic Language Requirement Students must take 12 units of Arabic or demonstrate proficiency at the intermediate level to test out of the primary source language requirement. The MA in Women s Studies in Religion The MA in Women s Studies in Religion is designed to introduce students to the field of feminist scholarship in religion. The program allows students great flexibility in designing their course of study while the core courses introduce students to the important methodologies in these fields. Students may also elect to do internships in agencies dealing with women or women s issues through the MA in Applied Women s Studies as part of their MA studies. Course work The program requires 38 to 46 units of course work and 2 to 10 thesis units, for a total of 48 units. These must include 12 units of courses in Women s Studies in Religion, 12 units in Religion or related disciplines, and 12 units in methods courses. Course Requirements Methods Courses REL 304 Introduction to Women s Studies in Religion This course explores the rapidly expanding field of Women s Studies in Religion from a multi- cultural and multi-religious perspective. A comparative approach is used to examine women s reconceptualizations of the divine in the major religious traditions, issues of hermeneutics, analyses of women s approach to sexuality, spirituality, ethics and the environment. The global context of feminism will be 14

15 highlighted by sessions devoted to women s religious practices in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. REL 362 Theories of Religion Feminist Theory Any course dealing with feminist methodological approaches to a discipline will fulfill the feminist theory requirement. These include Feminist Theory, Feminist Epistemology, Feminism and Post-Colonialism, Feminism and Queer Theory, Feminist Political Theory, etc. Women s Studies in Religion Courses WSR students must take three courses in Women s Studies in Religion (courses that deal with religion from a feminist perspective). Examples include Feminism and Process Thought; Gender, Violence and Religion; Matristics: Medieval Woman s Theology; Gender and Islam; or Gendering Mormonism. Related Courses WSR students must take three courses in religion, women s studies, or related disciplines. Women s Studies in Religion students may elect to take upper division Women s Studies courses at the undergraduate colleges (these must be at the 200 level), or any other course available at the Graduate University. Advisory Group Meeting The Women s Studies in Religion students meet once a month for a meal and discussion in the home of one of the faculty members. The discussion is led by a student facilitator and the agenda is set by questions raised in the classroom, usually issues relating to the integration of coursework and written work with the student s statement of educational goals. Once or twice a semester the Women s Studies in Religion Advisory Group meets together with the Women in Religion Salon to hear faculty and/or student presentations of recent research. Thesis and Oral Defense The thesis committee for students in the MA in Women s Studies in Religion will consist of three persons: the Chair, who will have primary responsibility for directing the research; and two readers. The Chair will need to be a member of the Women s Studies in Religion Faculty. When the Thesis Supervisory Committee concludes that the thesis is ready for the oral examination, the student provides copies, including any revisions, to the members of the committee. The student is responsible for securing a mutually acceptable date and time for the oral exam and for notifying the School of Arts and 15

16 Humanities Office. This must take place at least three weeks before the date of the exam. Exams are to be scheduled for one hour. PhD Programs General Requirements for the PhD Units The Ph.D. requires 72 units of course work, of which up to 24 semester units may be transferred from previous graduate course work in religion or a related discipline. Students may choose to have a major and a minor area. They will take 48 units in the major area and 16 units in a minor area. They may choose the minor area from within as well as outside the Religion Department. In addition, students can minor in World Religions by an appropriate selection of courses in a variety of religions. This major/minor arrangement does not apply to those in the dual degree program of MA in Philosophy and Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion. Secondary Research Languages Students are required to fulfill two research tools, at least one of which must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a secondary research language. Area faculty, in consultation with each student, will decide which languages best prepare the student for research in their field of study. With the approval of the student s advisor, a research methodology may fulfill the second research tool requirement (see above). It is strongly recommended that 48-unit doctoral students fulfill the first research tool (preferably the language) before the completion of the first 24 units of coursework and the second language requirement before the completion of the next 24 units. Both research tools must be fulfilled before the completion of coursework (with an extension including the summer following the completion of coursework if approved by the faculty advisor). Language exams will be administered on campus on selected dates approved by the School of Arts & Humanities. Primary Text Language Students will also be expected to be proficient in other languages ancient and/or modern necessary for the sources in their research areas, or as required by the faculty in their areas of concentration. See the individual program area sections below for specific language requirements. All language requirements should be met before the completion of coursework; qualifying examinations cannot be scheduled unless all research tools are fulfilled. Transfer of Credit Students may secure a Transfer Credit form in the SAH Office after they have completed 12 CGU units. No more than 24 semester-units or their equivalent from another institution may 16

17 be transferred toward the Ph.D. degree (12 units maximum for dual degree students). A minimum of 48-units of doctoral credit must be earned at CGU. The units to be transferred must be from an accredited graduate institution, with a grade of B or higher, and be relevant to the degree program. Transfer credits must be approved by the student s academic advisor. Students wishing to transfer courses listed with a grade of S (satisfactory) or Cr (credit) or their equivalent must submit additional materials that document an equivalent grade of B or better. Students wishing to transfer independent or directed studies are required to submit official documentation describing the content of the course. For those who were enrolled in any of the CGU Religion MA programs it is possible to transfer more than 24 units for a maximum of 48 units if they consist of 400-level courses taken with the grade of A- or higher, subject to the approval of their advisor and the dean. However, no MA thesis units may be counted toward the Ph.D. Qualifying Examinations Students are allowed to schedule qualifying exams after completing all of the following requirements: 72 units of graduate course work, at least 48 units of which must be CGU coursework Language Requirements / Research Tools A University Transdisciplinary Course (See the CGU Bulletin) Area requirements such as primary text languages or major papers Each program area defines their qualifying exams. Students are urged to plan the exams early in their coursework, and to plan their courses accordingly. The chair of the qualifying examination committee (and subsequently, the dissertation committee) is usually the student s advisor. The other members of the committee are determined in consultation with the advisor and in accordance with the requirements of the student s program area. The committee consists of three members of the faculty of CGU, the Claremont Colleges, and/or CST/CLU, and must include at least one member of the core faculty of the Department of Religion. A four-person committee may include, with the approval of the SAH Dean, an outside examiner, a faculty member from another institution, or a qualified practitioner. The SAH Dean recommends the committee members for approval by the CGU Provost. In consultation with the qualifying exam committee, the student must negotiate dates and times of the exams and complete a schedule form at least 4 weeks prior to the first exam. (This form is available on the Religion Student Resources webpage.) Committee signatures are required on this form. Completed forms should be submitted to the SAH Program Coordinator, who will reserve the exam room (according to its availability) and a room for your oral defense. Once the Qualifying Exam Scheduling form is received, the Program Coordinator will send an official verifying all exam dates and areas and requesting exam questions to the committee members. The written exams are taken within 14 calendar days; they are then sent to members of the student s committee, who also attend the oral exam. (If traveling for research or sabbatical, 17

18 committee members may call in or videoconference from a remote location; the student is required to be on campus to attend in person.) The oral exam is to be scheduled at least 10 calendar days but not more than 20 calendar days after the last written exam. Qualifying exams are given during each semester. Except in extraordinary cases no qualifying exams will be given during the summer or winter breaks. Each qualifying exam will be either pass or fail. If a student fails one exam, the examiner may allow the student to re-take the exam or require additional work to meet a passing standard. Upon successful completion of the qualifying exams, students are eligible to receive the MA degree. This does not apply to dual degree students or to students that already have a graduate degree in religion. Dissertation Readers All Religion Ph.D. students are required to use the services of a dissertation reader, who will proofread the chapter and check for proper form, style, and clarity. There will be a $75.00 fee for one chapter, payable by the student to the reader. Currently, Katie Van Heest, [email protected], is the dissertation reader. The procedures for the reader are as follows: 1. The Religion program will send the reader a list of students who are advanced to candidacy each semester. 2. The student will submit a chapter of the dissertation to the reader as soon as one is complete, but in any event by early in the semester before the expected completion of the degree (i.e., in the fall for a May degree and in the spring semester for a September or January degree). Students are urged to submit a chapter early in the process. 3. The reader will send her report on the student s chapter to both the committee chair and the Religion program. The report should be filed by the end of that semester, so that the student and the chair of the committee have seen the reader s report before completion of the preliminary draft. The reader shall contact the chair personally if she deems it necessary. In addition to general comments, she will recommend that the student either proceed without any further readings, or that the student be required to submit the entire dissertation to her (or another reader approved by the School). In such cases, the fee is $ for two full readings of the dissertation. 4. The chair of the committee must receive the reader s report before the student may submit the preliminary draft of the dissertation to the committee. Dissertation Committee The School of Arts and Humanities policy on Dissertation Committee members is as follows: Claremont Colleges and approved CST faculty may serve on a CGU Dissertation Committee provided there is at least one core CGU Religion department faculty member on the Committee. 18

19 Claremont Colleges and approved CST faculty may chair Dissertation Committees with the approval of the Department Chair and the Dean. A four-person committee may include an outside examiner, a faculty member from another institution, or a qualified practitioner. On a four-person committee, the outside examiner has a vote in the committee s proceedings only with the consent of the Dean of the SAH. Students should submit a preliminary draft of the entire dissertation to each member of the student s Dissertation Committee early in the semester in which the student hopes to graduate, in order to allow for revisions before as well as after the final oral exam. A draft for the final oral must be submitted to the entire committee at least six weeks before the planned date of the oral examination/defense in order to allow faculty time to determine whether the defense may be scheduled. Additional revisions may be required after the defense. PhD Program Specific Requirements Critical Comparative Scriptures (CCS) Area The Critical Comparative Scriptures Ph.D. program represents orientation to the study of scriptures as the study of human significations and practices. The program has as its agenda the problematization of scriptures as freighted shorthand for a complex cross-cultural phenomenon involving our signs/discourses, rituals and other practices, artifacts, artistic representations, myths and ideologies, sentiments and power relations. It represents a crossfield, multi- disciplinary academic-intellectual framework for thinking about and engaging in research into the phenomenon. As a critical studies program, it involves raising basic questions and issues about self-reflexivity, positionality and interestedness, power, difference. And insofar as it has to do with scriptures, it focuses research within and across dominant (world) religious traditions, within and across nations and large socio-cultural complexes, and vernacular traditions. These scriptural traditions include not only the major religions and their respective elites and text-ed scriptures Christian; Jewish; Islamic; Indian; Chinese but also other unconventional and non- scripted historical traditions e.g., sub-saharan Africa; Native American; Mesoamerican. In addition, it will be possible to explore cross-cutting postcolonial or vernacular or gendered expressions and representations e.g., African Americans; Maori peoples; women s formations; other minorities and their historical and ongoing dynamics and formations. Major and Minor Students will take 32 units in courses related to a scriptural tradition or formation. This will constitute the major. Students will take an additional 16 units in another scriptural tradition or formation that will constitute the minor. The university s required transdisciplinary course may count toward either the major or the minor. Likewise, if a student is advised to take the Theories of Religion course, it may count toward either the major or the minor. 19

20 Advanced Methods Course Students must take one course on the topic of advanced methods and theories in the study of religions and scriptures. The course will count toward the major. Program Seminar Students must register for credit in the Program Seminar during their second year of residence, and they are expected to audit the seminar as long as they are in commuting distance. Students must present their research in the seminar before taking qualifying examinations. This course counts as 4 units toward the major. Qualifying Examinations The qualifying exams in CCS consist of four 4-hour exams, three exams in major subject areas and a fourth on the dissertation topic. The four areas are as follows: 1) General theoretical issues and problems in the study of scriptures and traditions 2) A major scriptural tradition or formation 3) A minor scriptural tradition or formation 4) Dissertation proposal The dissertation proposal should be submitted at the same time that the exams are taken. History of Christianity and Religions of North America (HCRNA) Area The program prepares historians to teach and research in the history of Christianity and religion in North America. Students will be broadly trained in two of the three following areas: Christian origins Medieval/Reformation Christianity Religions of North America In all the areas, Christianity will be situated in its relationship to other religious traditions. Prerequisites Students accepted into the 48-unit Ph.D. program should have completed the equivalent of 24 units of master s level course work in religious studies. For students majoring in Religions of North America, M.A. coursework in American history or literature is also acceptable. Language Requirements The language requirement consists of two languages, or one language and a research tool such as statistics or ethnography. The languages will ordinarily be chosen from 20

21 French, German, Spanish, and Latin but others may be substituted in consultation with the student s adviser. In addition, students in Christian origins and Medieval/Reformation are required to demonstrate competence in the language(s) of the primary materials relevant to their period of specialization and dissertation research. Course Requirements Students will designate one of the areas from the three offered (Christian origins, Medieval/Reformation, and Religion in North America) as the major field and another area from the same group as the minor. The 48 hours of course credit will be divided approximately as follows. 1) Three or four courses in the major field. 2) Two or three courses in the minor field. 3) One or two courses in an outside field such as cultural studies, anthropology, literature, politics, or sociology. These courses should be chosen to enrich the student s approach to the dissertation topic. 4) One or two courses in a religion other than Christianity (Buddhism or Islam, for example). The remaining courses may be distributed in accord with the student s interests. Requirement for Majors in North American Religion Students majoring in North American Religion will take the two-course Religion in America sequence. The sequence is recommended but not required for students minoring in Religion in America. Qualifying Examinations Qualifying examinations are ordinarily taken during the student s third year. They consist of three four-hour written examinations taken within a two-week period and subsequently reviewed in an oral examination before the student s examination committee. The nature of each examination is shaped in consultation with the faculty member who sets the examination. Students select these examiners in consultation with the primary adviser. Students will be examined in four fields: 1) The major field for which the student compiles a reading list and studies in depth under the direction of an adviser. 2) The minor field, prepared for in the same way but with less intensity. 3) A thematic examination on a topic that will provide additional historical or theoretical depth, usually in relation to the student s dissertation topic. 21

22 4) In connection with the qualifying examination, students will submit a long paper comparing Christianity and another religion. A paper written for a course is acceptable. Philosophy of Religion and Philosophy (PRT) Area Program Structure The PRT area is intentionally flexible in its structure. Students have considerable freedom to shape their own courses of study in consultation with their advisors. A rich variety of courses are available each semester covering major issues, movements, and thinkers in philosophy of religion and theology. The offerings by the PRT faculty are further enhanced by relevant courses made available in the Religion Department as well as in other CGU departments, especially Philosophy, other Claremont Colleges departments, and Claremont Lincoln University. Thus, the PRT area provides a very distinctive context, broad and pluralistic, for the study of philosophy of religion and theology. Concentration in Continental Philosophy The Continental Philosophy concentration is available to MA and PhD students in the Cultural Studies, Philosophy, and Religion programs. Requirements for the concentration in the Religion Department s PRT program are as follows: Four courses in Kantian and Post-Kantian Continental philosophy with the approval of advisor. Qualifying Examinations The student takes qualifying exams in five areas, four of which are written exams and the fifth the dissertation proposal. There is an oral exam on all five areas. Reading lists are available on the Religion Student Resources webpage. All students must take the exam on the Classical Tradition and the dissertation proposal. They choose two periods out of the three: Modern, 19th Century, and 20th Century. They also choose the dissertation background exam. It is the responsibility of the dissertation committee to approve which two classical thinkers, which two periods, and which dissertation background will be chosen for examination as well as the appropriateness of the dissertation proposal. 1) The Classical Tradition: The classical tradition is divided into two periods, the first fifteen centuries and the sixteenth century in the history of Christian thought. A student emphasizing Western religious thought is responsible for a figure from each period, e.g., Origen, Augustine, Anselm, or Aquinas from the first period, Luther or Calvin from the second. A student who finds a non-christian thinker relevant to his or her dissertation may substitute a non-christian (e.g., Jewish, Muslim, or other Asian thinker or body of thought) for one of the two periods. 22

23 2) and 3) Students are to choose two of the three following exams (reading lists for these exams are available from the SAH Office): a. Modern Philosophical and Religious Thought: Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant b. 19th Century Philosophical, Religious, and Theological Thought: Hegel, Schleiermacher, Schelling, Kierkegaard, Feuerbach, Newman, Nietzsche, James c. 20th Century Philosophical, Religious, and Theological Thought: Whitehead, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Barth, Reinhold Niebuhr, Tillich, Rahner 4) Dissertation Background: This exam covers an area considered to be relevant background for the dissertation. 5) Dissertation Proposal: Students submit a proposal (about 20 pages) presenting in a concise form the topic, rationale, main issues, sources, and methodology of the proposed dissertation along with an outline of its projected chapters. The proposal must be submitted two weeks prior to the oral examination. Women s Studies in Religion (WSR) Area Ph.D. Program Structure The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students for positions in Women s Studies programs in which their cross-disciplinary work is in religion and positions in religion programs. We expect graduates of the program to be broadly prepared in religious studies and able to interpret women s issues across different religious traditions. Through their work in a concentration, they will have the depth to contribute significantly to one of the sub-fields of religious studies. Prerequisites Students may be admitted into the 48-unit Ph.D. program with either 24 units of religion courses or 24 units of women s studies courses taken at the master s level, or some combination of the two equaling 24 units. Students entering with 24 units in women s studies will need to take a greater proportion of religion courses in their last 48 units, and conversely students entering with 24 units of religion will need to take a greater proportion of women s studies courses. Concentrations In their last 48 units, WSR students are required to take 16 units in an area of concentration. The area of concentration should prepare a student for particular positions in the field of Religion. Students are encouraged to consult Openings on the AAR website to familiarize themselves with the way the sub-fields within religion are represented in the job market. Currently the Religion Department offers enough graduate level courses to support concentrations in such areas as Biblical Studies, 23

24 Hebrew Bible, New Testament, History of Christianity, History of Christian Thought, Philosophy of Religion, Theology, Ethics, Religion and Society, Islamic Studies, and Comparative Religions within the Abrahamic Religion. The student s advisor will guide a student in choosing courses to establish a broad expertise in the subfield and lay a foundation for qualifying exams. Note: Students will be limited in their choice of a concentration to those for which the Religion Department offers sufficient graduate level courses. Core Faculty On entering the program, an advisor will be assigned from the core faculty. For students entering the 72-unit Ph.D. the first year of course work should provide breadth in the field of Religion. Upon beginning the last 48 units, a student should declare a concentration within the field of Religion and ask a faculty member in that area of concentration to be their advisor. This advisor will guide a student in selecting courses to build competence in the concentration and work with the student in designing qualifying exams for that concentration. Advisory Group To encourage a sense of community and to foster broader conversations WSR students meet three times a semester for an evening in a faculty home to discuss their progress in coursework. These meetings include the WSR salon in which a feminist scholar or activist is invited to speak and engage the students in informal discussions. WSR hosts lectures by feminist scholars and publishes a calendar of WSR events each semester. All students are encouraged to participate in these and take advantage of the opportunity to meet the leading scholars in the field. Qualifying Examinations During the last 24 units of coursework, students should begin planning their qualifying exams. Students are required to take five written qualifying exams: three in the field of their concentration and two on feminist methodologies such as feminist theory, feminist historiography, feminist ethnography, feminist pedagogy, postcolonial and subaltern theory. With the consent of the advisor, a student may also elect to substitute the dissertation proposal for the third exam in the field of concentration. The faculty members who agree to write these exams become the Qualifying Exam Committee. Individualized Programs The Religion Department also offers individualized programs in cooperation with other Schools and Departments of the University. These programs are ideal for those who wish to pursue the doctorate in two related but different fields with a transdisciplinary emphasis and seek to teach and do research in areas demanding transdisciplinary work. In particular the Religion Department is suited for interdisciplinary Ph.D.s in Religion and Politics, Religion 24

25 and Philosophy, and Religion and Culture. Other possible interdisciplinary areas are Religion and Education, Religion and Literature, Religion and Information Science, Religion and the Arts, and Religion and Psychology. Ph.D. Programs in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and Theology, Ethics & Culture Starting in Fall 2010 the School of Religion no longer admits students into these programs. Those already in the program will have until to complete their degree work. The Claremont School of Theology faculty who are involved in these programs are committed to mentoring CGU students till then. Hebrew Bible (HB) Area Prerequisites Students in the HB area may concentrate in one of three fields: Ancient Near Eastern Studies; Exegesis, Theology, and Hermeneutics of the Hebrew Bible; and Early Judaism. For the HB program itself, special prerequisites have to be satisfied either by transcript, by examination, or by completing additional courses. These prerequisites are: 1) Intermediate Hebrew 2) Greek 3) Six courses (24 semester units) of study in the Hebrew Bible (including critical historical study under different approaches, exegetical work, history of Israel, and theology of the Hebrew Bible) Course work HB area courses are divided into two sets: all students must take the first set, whereas the second is structured according to the student s field of concentration. The field of concentration is not to be understood as excluding the other areas, but rather represents a special emphasis made within the context of the whole. The minimum requirement may need to be increased for an adequate preparation for the Qualifying Examinations and the dissertation. Courses required of all students (4 courses/16 units) 1 seminar in Aramaic* 1 seminar in an Ancient Near Eastern language other than Aramaic 1 seminar in Archaeology * Students who have had Aramaic and would like to place out of the Aramaic core requirement may request an Aramaic proficiency examination. 25

26 Fields of Concentration (at least 8 courses/32 units)* 4 seminars in the field of concentration 2 seminars each in the other two HB fields * Students concentrating in Early Judaism are required to take the Method in Text Criticism seminar; those concentrating in Exegesis, Theology, and Hermeneutics of the Hebrew Bible are recommended to do so as a course in their minor. Three major papers are required of all HB Ph.D. students. A 40-page limit for the major papers has been established; those in excess of 40 pages (exclusive of bibliography) will not be accepted. One paper is to be written within each of the Hebrew Bible area s fields of concentration. In essence, a major paper is to be a methodological test case; however, in consultation with the pertinent professor, flexibility and latitude are permitted. Consultation with faculty is expected in any case. Arrangement may be made with individual professors to submit expanded course papers for simultaneous acceptance as major papers. Commencement of work on any major paper is recommended only after completion of the first year of course work. The major paper form, to be signed by the professor, is to be picked up from and returned to the SOR Office (example in the appendix). Receipt of a form for each paper indicates fulfillment of the requirement. Hebrew Language Proficiency Examination At the beginning of each semester a Hebrew Language Proficiency Exam will be given. Because this exam is used as a diagnostic tool, students must attempt the examination upon entry to the program and are required to attempt the examination each semester (Fall and Spring) until it is passed. The written portion of this exam will be drawn from BHS and consists of: Translation of five selections (of approximately verses each) from representative genres (prose text, legal text, poetic/hymnic text, prophetic text, wisdom text) throughout the Hebrew text. In order to pass the examination, students are required to provide an adequate translation of at least 6 verses per section. Examinations falling short of this quantitative standard will not be passed. The oral portion will require the student to be able to read aloud from the text with fluency (modern Israeli, i.e. Sephardic, pronunciation is preferred). Qualifying Examinations Before qualifying exams can be scheduled, the major papers and the Hebrew Language Proficiency Exam must be completed. Students should take qualifying examinations no later than one year (12 months) after completion of course work, 26

27 and only during the fall and spring semesters. There are four 4-hour written exams. Students will take two exams in their field of concentration and one exam in each of the other two areas. The examinations will test the student s understanding of the fields and ability to work with original texts. Students are strongly urged to discuss expectations for the qualifying exams with individual professors early in their program. Although in many cases there will be an obvious correlation between the subject matter dealt with in a course and that included in a qualifying exam, the exams are not viewed as being based on the course work only. The student is required to submit in writing a dissertation proposal of no more than three pages at the time of the oral qualifying exam. This proposal must refer to the state of previous research on the proposed subject, the reason for a new project, the method(s) used, the materials included in the study, and those excluded from it. The student is responsible for scheduling the written and oral examinations according to the regular procedures of the SAH. Dissertation and Final Oral Exam (Defense) The topic of the dissertation is to be determined in consultation with the advisor. The dissertation may conceivably be an extension of a major paper. In order to make it possible for a candidate to graduate either in May or in January, the following scheduling pattern in the semester preceding any of the following dates is necessary: The defense of the dissertation will be held no later than one month before the official date for submission of its final copy to the Registrar s office. b) Since the application for the date of defense must be submitted (at least) three weeks before the defense, the three regular committee members must have reached a consensus before this time that the dissertation is ready for the defense (i.e., no later than seven weeks before the institutional deadline for the submission of the final copy to the Registrar s office). c) The consensus of the regular committee members before these dates requires that they must have had in hand a draft of the dissertation, complete and in tentatively final shape, no later than one month before they must declare their consensus (i.e., no later than eleven weeks before the institutional deadline for the submission of the final copy to the Registrar s office). Failure to meet these deadlines means that graduation at the end of the projected semester will not be possible. 27

28 Especially, submission of the draft of the dissertation at the latest necessary date and not earlier implies the possibility that a consensus on its defensibility by the regular committee members is not reached one month later and that the scheduling process towards graduation breaks down and must be rolled over into the next semester. In such a case, the candidate should be able to upgrade her/his dissertation within schedule. However, in the case of a rollover from one semester to the next it is necessary that all members of the committee have again in hand the upgraded draft of the complete dissertation, and within schedule. The scheduling for the defenses of dissertations whose candidates do not depend on graduation in a specific semester are subject to the guidelines found above in this section. Any exception to these policies depends on both a demonstrable emergency beyond the candidate s control and the availability of all members of her/his committee. As usual, it is subject to written petition before any date pertaining to scheduling and to written approval by all regular members of her/his committee. The Oral Defense The student is responsible for scheduling the oral defense of their dissertation in accordance with the regular procedures of the SAH. New Testament Area The New Testament Ph.D. program cultivates critical interpretive skills for the investigation of the social, cultural, political, ideological, literary, and rhetorical phenomena of the New Testament and Early Christianity. The orientation is complex and layered, in that attention is given to the cultural and political history of the study of these phenomena as well as the ancient contexts in which they originated. Thus, the program is a part of the larger conversation concerning the history of our understanding of sacred texts and their receptions. Consequently, the program combines traditional philological studies with comparative studies and cultural criticism. The primary areas of study are: the diversification of Early Christianity; ascetic and world-renunciation pieties and ideologies; women s traditions and forms of pieties; Gnostic Christianities; Greek epic and Gospel traditions; history, politics, and comparative phenomenology of Scriptures in society and culture; histories of cultural (especially subaltern) representations of biblical rhetoric and piety. Primary Text Languages (Ancient Languages) The program presupposes a reading knowledge of Greek and competence in the Greek New Testament. 28

29 Advanced Greek: All NT students must pass the Advanced Greek course before proceeding to qualifying exams. Latin: All NT students must pass a course in Latin before proceeding to qualifying exams. Coptic and Aramaic/Syriac: Requirement of these courses will depend upon specific research interests. The SOR will try to offer these courses in alternating two-year cycles. Courses taken previously at other institutions might be considered. A form, to be signed by the advisor, is to be picked up from and returned to the SOR office. Receipt of a signed form for each language indicates fulfillment of the requirement. History of Religions Colloquia The HR colloquia will be an inter-disciplinary series consisting of students and faculty in all of the historical fields as well as those in cultural philosophical studies with an interest I the methodological issues of the study of the history of religions. The colloquia will typically be convened once each month for the fourth months of fall semester. At least one faculty member will be responsible for organizing and advertising the colloquia. The format may be panel discussions, presented papers, interviews, etc. All NT Ph.D. students in their first two years of residency are required to attend and participate in the colloquia. New Testament Seminar The NT Seminar will be offered at least once a year for all Ph.D. students in NT and for the HCRNA students in the field of Early Christianity. Seminar topics will include issues and texts that range from the 4th century BCE to the beginnings of the 7th century CE. Students must register for credit in the NT Seminar during their second year of residence, and they are expected to audit the seminar as long as they are in commuting distance. Students must present their major paper at the seminar before taking qualifying examinations. Major Paper One paper of the form, quality, and length (25-40 pp.) of a dissertation chapter to be presented at the NT Seminar during the second year of residency. This paper should conform to the standards and rules of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, the current edition, modified by the current SBL style sheet. Students will present each paper in the New Testament Seminar. A Major Paper form should be filled out and submitted to the SOR office upon completion of this requirement. This requirement must be completed before a 29

30 student proceeds to qualifying exams. Qualifying Examinations The qualifying exams in NT consist of four 4-hour exams, three exams in major subject areas and a fourth on the dissertation topic. The four areas are as follows: 1) Biblical criticism and the history of interpretation 2) Socio-cultural history of the Ancient Jewish, Greek, and Roman cultures 3) Historical trajectories of Early Christianities (to beginning of the 7th century) 4) Dissertation topic The dissertation proposal should also be submitted at the same time that the exams are taken. The student is responsible for scheduling the written and oral examinations according to the regular procedures of the SOR. Theology, Ethics, and Culture (TEC) Area Program Structure The Ph.D. program in TEC is designed to prepare students for research and academic positions in the interdisciplinary field of ethics. The program will provide a solid foundation in ethics while offering students the flexibility of developing an expertise in a second academic discipline. The core courses of the TEC program will encompass three traditional forms of ethics (philosophical, theological, and social). The second academic area may be in another discipline in the School of Religion or in another area in Claremont Graduate University, such as cultural studies, public policy, history, etc. For the last 48 units of the degree the student choose one of two curriculum options: 1) Ethics with a minor 36 units of core courses in ethics and 12 units in another academic discipline. 2) Ethics with a second area 24 units of core courses in ethics and 24 units in another academic discipline. Each student will work with the TEC area coordinator and with an academic advisor to determine which courses meet these requirements and how best to structure the course of study. Choice of advisor will depend greatly on the student s curriculum option and particular interest. 30

31 Prerequisites Students may be admitted into the 48-unit Ph.D. program with some combination of MA courses in ethics and another academic discipline. An advisor in consideration of work completed at the Master s level may recommend exceptions to the above requirements, in consultation with the TEC area coordinator. Language Requirements In keeping with the language policy for the SOR, TEC students are expected to pass language examinations in two of the following three languages: French, German, or Spanish. It is important that the student provide a rationale for the choice of language, demonstrating that the two languages chosen are most pertinent to her/his research interests. Qualifying Examinations The student takes four qualifying examinations and submits a dissertation proposal. There is an oral exam on all four written exams and the proposal. It is the responsibility of the student to establish a qualifying exam committee and a dissertation exam committee in consultation with his or her advisor and arrange a meeting of the committees, sufficiently in advance, to plan the specifics of the exams, i.e., the exam areas, examiners, dissertation project, and the dates and times for the written exams and the oral in accordance with the following guidelines and the standard procedures in the SAH. The four written exams are as follows: Two exams are required in the areas of philosophical, theological, or social ethics. These exams may be organized by an historical period, theme/issue, or figure. The primary purpose of these exams is to demonstrate knowledge of foundational issues and figures in ethics. The purpose of the third area is to demonstrate the student s knowledge of his/her minor area or secondary area of study. A professor in that minor/secondary discipline should write this exam. The fourth exam pertains to the student s dissertation topic. Students should consult with their advisors to determine a historical figure or issue that is central to their dissertation research. For students choosing curriculum option 2 above this exam should be related at least in part to their second area of study. The fifth exam is the dissertation proposal, which should be submitted no later than 31

32 the date of the last written exam. The proposal should be pages in length. It should explain the problem to be addressed in the dissertation, provide an overview of current literature on this problem, explain the student s approach to it, and offer a summary of the dissertations argument and structure. A substantial bibliography should accompany the proposal. The dissertation proposal should be submitted no later than the date of the last written exam. The proposal should be pages in length. It should explain the problem to be addressed in the dissertation, provide an overview of current literature on this problem, explain the student s approach to it, and offer a summary of the dissertations argument and structure. A substantial bibliography should accompany the proposal. The forms below are for each student to complete in consultation with his or her advisor. 32

33 Appendix I: Forms Coursework Completion Worksheets Coursework completion worksheets may be found on the Student Resources page of the Religion department website: 33

34 Supervisory Committee Request Form: M.A. in WSR I agree to serve on the thesis committee for Chair: Member: Member: Member: Date: Date: Date: Date: 34

35 Thesis Proposal Approval Form: M.A. in WSR I approve the thesis proposal for Please sign to indicate that you agree to serve on thesis committee. Chair: Member: Member: Member: Date: Date: Date: Date: 35

36 Major Paper Form Hebrew Bible and New Testament Areas Ph.D. Program This form is to be signed by the professor and returned to the SOR Office when both parts have been completed. STUDENT S NAME DATE I plan to write a major paper in the following area/course: Faculty Signature: Date: I accept this major paper as part of the program requirement. Faculty Signature: Date: 36

37 Qualifying Exam Schedule Form This form is just a sample. Please download the interactive form on the Religion Department website: 37

38 Religion Department Advisor Report Form Student: Student ID:_ Degree & Area of Specialization:_ Signature of Advisor:_ Beginning (date):_ New Advisor Signature (in case of change):_ Beginning (date):_ Student Signature:_ Dean s Signature:_ Date:_ Attention: This form must be submitted to the Administrative Assistant in the School of Arts and Humanities for student records. 38

39 Appendix II: Advising/Registration FAQs Why do we need an advising policy? The purpose of this new policy is to ensure that you receive advising from your advisor or, if your advisor is on leave, from the chair of your department/program at least once each fall and spring semester. Regular review of your academic progress and program requirements by your advisor should help ensure you take the classes you need and meet your program requirements for your degree. Who does the advising policy concern? This policy is required of all students masters and doctoral students, those in course work as well as those who have completed course work and are working towards or are ABD. How does it work? All students are required to check in with their advisor prior to registration each semester. Students wishing to register for classes, continuous registration, or doctoral study must first receive approval from their advisor. A hold on your account will be lifted only if your academic advisor sends an to Holly Domingo to lift the registration hold. How can I find out who my advisor is? Go to your CGU portal to obtain this information ( or contact Holly Domingo. If a faculty advisor has not been assigned to you please contact your department chair for academic advising. How do I contact my advisor? Each advisor has his/her way of managing the advising process. Some will be using an electronic appointment system for in-person or telephone appointments and some will ask that you them about making an appointment. Some advisors will conduct advising over . You should receive a message from your department chair explaining the process for your department or advisor-specific instructions. What if my assigned advisor is on leave? If your assigned advisor is on leave, your department chair will serve as your advisor for that semester. What is the mandatory advising period? In the two weeks prior to registration, all students are required to contact their advisor to obtain approval for their courses or continuous/doctoral registration. Because some classes may be closed by the time you attempt to register, we recommend that you get approval on fallback courses during your initial advising session. Registration for the spring 2012 semester begins November 16 th. Thus, the mandatory advising period is Tuesday, November 1 st through Tuesday, November 15 th. What happens if I don t get advising and approval from my advisor? You will be unable to register for the coming semester and a registration hold will remain on your account. A registration hold on your account will be lifted only if your academic advisor sends an to Holly Domingo to lift the hold. When can I register on-line? On-line registration will open on November 16 th. Students who have received academic advising and don t have a registration hold on their account can go to their CGU portal ( and register on-line. Can I register on-line for all courses, including Independent Study, courses at the 5Cs, and/or Claremont School of Theology courses? No. You must use paper registration for any Independent Study/Research course, any course at the 5Cs, and any course at Claremont School of Theology. You must obtain your advisor s approval for such courses. For registration forms go to Please submit any registration form to Holly Domingo. 39

40 If I change my mind and want to register for courses not approved by my academic advisor, do I need to set up another advising appointment? Once the registration hold is lifted from your account, an honor system is in place. However, we recommend that you get approval on fallback courses during your initial advising session. If you need to discuss other courses with your academic advisor, this can be done over . Will academic advising lift all of my holds? No. If you have other holds on your account (i.e. outstanding balance, academic probation, etc.) please contact the appropriate office to clear those holds. 40

41 Appendix III: Who should I see in the Arts & Humanities office if I have a question? Humanities Secretary Program Assistant Program Coordinator Special Event Coordinator Administrative Director Jessica Jones 831 N. Dartmouth Ave., Front Office [email protected] Holly Domingo 831 N. Dartmouth Ave., # [email protected] Sarah Jaques-Ross 831 N. Dartmouth Ave., # [email protected] Genevieve Kaplan 831 N. Dartmouth Ave., #22A [email protected] Susan Hampson 831 N. Dartmouth Ave., # [email protected] Paycheck/payment pickup Reimbursements Room availability/reservati ons Registration Language exams Qualifying exams Dissertation defenses Graduation forms and procedures SAH website Event advertising RA/TA s Event planning Tufts Poetry Awards Room reservations/availabil ity Friedman Awards Department fellowships Student group funds 41