Hey all,
I am applying to a series of Religious Studies grad programs, and in several of them have indicated an interest in pursuing 'North American Religion'-type concentrations (out of Christianity, Judaism, Theology, Ancient Religions, etc.), but does that mean the writing sample necessarily has to be in the same area of concentration? I ask because I have some thesis chapters on Jewish emancipation in Germany on hand that I think could be, easily enough, edited into very strong writing samples. Whereas the thesis chapters that pertain more directly to religion in North America are far longer and more difficult to edit into writing sample format.
Both options are very relevant to Religious Studies, but I worry about presenting writing that doesn't match up with my intended concentration. On the other hand, intended concentrations are purely informal, and I am fairly sure graduate students don't even formally select them until after the first few semesters or so. And it seems relevant to show breadth.
Any ideas?