Programs for American Religious History

[PAHstin]

I'm interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in history, and I'd like to study Am. religious history. In terms of choosing a program, what are some places to consider?

I want to go to a top history program, but it seems that a lot of religious history is being pushed more and more into religious, second tier institutions. Plus, the big names (Marsden, Noll, Hatch, Stout, ect) are reaching retirement age. The trouble is finding a good, respected department that also has a scholar devoted to christian history.

[AP]

Ok, I am not in any sort near to that field BUT.... 

1) Have you checked new generations? You mention "big names" but I am sure they had students that are now professors. Have you e-mailed them (the first and second generations, I mean)? I wanted to work with a professor that was retiring and he gave me a list of ten people to contact. One of them is now my advisor. 

2) History, as other disciplines, is moving towards an interdisciplinary approach. As a result, as you said, religious studies falls also within other disciplines. Have you consider other departments or you definitely want a PhD in History? I have a friend at the Graduate Division of Religion at Emory. It depends of the graduate school but it has access to scholars of religion because it overlaps with Candler School of Theology. Since you are in Atlanta, you might swing by Emory and peep around. 

I don't know how much this helps, but maybe it at least helps you refine your search. 

AP

Edited February 27, 2016 by AP

[MarthUser]

As someone looking to get into this field, I would say it depends on the time period and your topic.

If you're looking for some key religious historians in this field, I would suggest looking into Baylor's History Department (Thomas Kidd and Barry Hankins) and Vanderbilt's Religion Department (James Byrd) since they are scholars whose topics tend to be closer to Hatch, Stout, Marsden, and Noll. PM me if you have any further questions as well since the American Religious History field is rapidly changing and certain departments are shifting faculty focus every year.

[YoegiBear]

 

16 hours ago, MarthUser said:

As someone looking to get into this field, I would say it depends on the time period and your topic.

If you're looking for some key religious historians in this field, I would suggest looking into Baylor's History Department (Thomas Kidd and Barry Hankins) and Vanderbilt's Religion Department (James Byrd) since they are scholars whose topics tend to be closer to Hatch, Stout, Marsden, and Noll. PM me if you have any further questions as well since the American Religious History field is rapidly changing and certain departments are shifting faculty focus every year.

I agree. Thomas Kidd and Barry Hankins are currently among the biggest names in American Religious history going at the moment. Moreover, the history department faculty is excellent across the board. I am a little biased as that is where I earned my undergrad.  

[JKL]

Check out Duke. Florida State also has a good name in American Religious History.