Jump to content

_Athena_

Members
  • Posts

    93
  • Joined

Everything posted by _Athena_

  1. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    That's good to keep in mind - thanks! I certainly see the benefit of that, but my primary interests don't really lie in Early Christianity. I hope I can stick with Judaism and still be marketable!
  2. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    Yeah, no problem! The extended M.A.R. is definitely something to consider if you wish to delve deeper into HB/NT, but I don't know too much about the S.T.M. degree. I think it would probably be difficult to determine now whether that would be necessary, but I'm sure extra coursework couldn't hurt. I'm honestly more undecided now than I was before. I feel like I could almost make an arbitrary decision and still be fine, because both schools have excellent reputations and respective academic strengths. I think it will come down to which school is a better fit. In any case, I'm still in the process of talking to professors, so I could easily see myself choosing either one.
  3. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    Yeah...I realized after posting that that Bible exists at YDS, but not HB. I definitely don't think I'd want to switch knowing what I know now, especially considering the broadness of the STJ program. I've managed to speak to a couple professors as well (and one PhD candidate at Chicago Divinity who is defending soon), who confirmed that a focus in STJ is fine, as long as you are strong enough in HB or NT to be considered for jobs solely in those areas. Essentially, as long as you position yourself with a strong tie to HB or NT (or both!), you will be a good candidate for Bible jobs, among others. The main problem seems to be that there are far too many qualified people and too few jobs. I managed to learn a great deal more, but it's a lot to write here!
  4. I applied to Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman period, and I heard back last week. It's likely different for the Judaism and Christianity course, though.
  5. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    Also, to be fair, the MARc at YDS does cover both the late biblical period and early Christiany (at least according to their website).
  6. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    This is hugely helpful. Thanks so much. It seems that HDS, while not attracting a great deal of people whose interests lie in the realm of Hebrew Bible/Judaism/Early Christianity, might be the place to get a more well-rounded approach. It's obviously too late to apply to HB at YDS, so I am wondering how much freedom the STJ program provides to pursue study in other periods. And, of course, there is a great deal of overlap. I am definitely going to ask around. Do you think I could risk being turned away from some PhD programs with an MAR in Second-Temple?
  7. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    You've pointed out a lot of things worth some serious consideration. It seems the MARc at YDS is more flexible than I initially thought - I'll definitely reach out to some of the folks there to inquire about electives and taking classes downtown. One of my utmost concerns, which I am sure is shared by countless others here, is admission into a top PhD program. I just want to go to the school that will help me get there, which means I have a lot more research to do. Thanks for the wealth of information!
  8. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    That's actually a huge bummer, and something about which I plan on inquiring. Thanks for the heads-up.
  9. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    I definitely see the advantage of the greater flexibility I might have at HDS, as well as the freedom to explore other interests. But YDS is equally good in its specialization. This is a tough one.
  10. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    I am absolutely interested in working with John Collins - my interests line up with his on a number of levels, and he just seems like a very nice, very self-aware individual. I could say the same about Jon Levenson at HDS, though. I am aiming for a PhD in the realm of Second-Temple Judaism, but, as ChristoWitch87 said, interests change over time. Decisions, decisions!
  11. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    Thanks so much! It's definitely one of the more pleasant problems I've had, haha. If I understand you correctly, you're saying that it wouldn't be so easy to pursue my secondary interests at YDS, while it would be easier to pursue topics relating to Second-Temple Judaism at HDS. I'm certainly not to opposed to studying Judaism in conversation with early Christianity, but it's not my particular focus. I do sort of get the vibe that YDS is a bit more Christian-leaning, what with its ties to BDS. However, I wonder if it's better to narrow one's interests at the M.A. level, perhaps in better preparation for a Ph.D. program? Thanks for your response!
  12. _Athena_

    YDS vs. HDS

    Hi, everyone! I was recently accepted at HDS (Jewish Studies MTS) and YDS (Second-Temple Judaism MARc). I have received a 75% tuition remission from both, so I am at a bit of loss as to which I should choose. On the one hand, YDS boasts one of the few specialized programs in Second-Temple Judaism. On the other hand, HDS might allow more wiggle room to delve into secondary interests (Lurianic Kabbalah and Maimonidean thought, specifically). Likewise, I feel it is important to tighten my grasp on the intellectual history of Judaism from the biblical to the modern period, so I am not sure if HDS is the better fit in that it is more broadly-focused. I also find myself drawn to the culture and multi-faith atmosphere of HDS. Both schools are home to top scholars in the field, and both would provide me with an extraordinary education, which makes it so difficult to choose. Would it be better to go to YDS, where I can specialize right off the bat in Second-Temple Judaism, or would it be better to go to HDS, where I might enjoy a more well-rounded approach? Are there any other factors I should be considering (location aside)? Any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated!
  13. That's the thing - there are so many amazing opportunities and professors at both that I find it incredibly difficult to choose between them. As for the admitted student days, I may try to at least attend one, but that time of year is equally busy for me. I'm definitely concerned about living expenses, especially coming out of a relatively affordable college town, and I wasn't one of the lucky few to receive a stipend at HDS (though I'm not sure if that's reserved for M.Div. students). I'm sorry to hear that you and your husband will have to maintain two residences - for what it's worth, I hope that everything works out and that you figure out what works best for the both of you.
  14. I'm in the Midwest, so I'm not local, either. I've been told that admitted student days are important for further establishing "fit," but it is a bit of a hassle, and an expense, to attend both in such a short span of time. I have a gentle leaning towards YDS due to its specialized program in Second-Temple Judaism, but I'm also drawn to HDS's culture (or at least my impression of it). And I suppose it also depends on what YDS says about financial aid. You also got into HDS, yeah? Do you have leanings either way?
  15. Hey, guys! I'm a long-time lurker who got into HDS (Jewish Studies MTS) and YDS (Second-Temple Judaism MARc). Is anyone else who got into both, and who is planning on attending the admitted student days, worried about coordinating them? Also, a huge congratulations to everyone!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use