This course offers a theoretical and practical approach to researching and writing religious history. We will discuss theoretical issues related to historical methods, such as historical and epistemic archival violence, alongside the methodological challenges of triangulating religion and religiosity across cultural and chronological chasms in our own work. We will read groundbreaking work to explore innovative methods and writing strategies. Finally, we will consider practical issues related to the craft of researching and writing religious history, from accessing and cataloging sources, to establishing a daily writing habit, to revising an article and conceptualizing a dissertation.
3-5 units · Letter (ABCD/NP)
This course offers a theoretical and practical approach to researching and writing religious history. We will discuss theoretical issues related to historical methods, such as historical and epistemic archival violence, alongside the methodological challenges of triangulating religion and religiosity across cultural and chronological chasms in our own work. We will read groundbreaking work to explore innovative methods and writing strategies. Finally, we will consider practical issues related to the craft of researching and writing religious history, from accessing and cataloging sources, to establishing a daily writing habit, to revising an article and conceptualizing a dissertation.
Offered in Winter 2026 at Stanford University.