Ethnography and Social Theory
The Ethnography and Social Theory path is an interdisciplinary path encompassing the anthropology of religion, sociology of religion, and ethnographic approaches to theology. Our faculty bring to bear expertise in a wide variety of different religious traditions as well as different geographical regions. In addition, some of us work in areas such as religion and mental health or religion and politics through an ethnographic and social science lens. Given this breadth and depth of possibility, potential students are encouraged to study our faculty list and to be in touch with both the path chair and individual faculty members who may share their interests before applying. Some students may choose to work primarily with experts in a particular religious tradition while for others a particular set of theoretical or methodological issues may be key. We collaborate with one another and with faculty from other paths to train students in the application of ethnography and social theory to questions related to the socio-cultural contexts of religious life, vernacular religion, as well as the lived experience of religion and moral experience. Students will work with the path chair and committee or advisor to identify the courses, language training and skills they will need for their particular project or interest. They will receive grounding in the academic study of religion broadly as well as in ethnography and social theory. Students will benefit from collaboration with other GDR paths, especially Africana Religions, Islamic Studies, Practical Theology, Religions in the Americas, and South Asian Religions.
Path Advisor
Associate Professor, Department of Religion and Tam Institute for Jewish Studies
Don Seeman
