08.13.06
Thinking Ahead…Far Ahead
I think I’ve found my Ph.D program. Okay, so I know this might as well be about a million years away and a million things could happen to change my plans between now and then, but it can’t hurt to dream, right?
I originally was thinking about Brandeis’ Ph.D in Bible and Ancient Near East, but then Calvin pointed me to the University of Chicago’s Divinity school, where they have a Ph.D in Biblical studies. They have 3 classes, count ‘em 3 whole classes!, that focus entirely on mythology, and a prof that specializes in that area! That is very exciting as I am just fascinated by the mythological influences of the Hebrew Bible and would love to do more work in that area. What I also like is that you choose 3 exams to take out of the 4 areas they offer - they have 2 Hebrew Bible areas and 2 NT areas - which gives me the opportunity to specialize in Hebrew Bible, of course, but then to branch out a bit and study the NT a little. Which is something I do want to do, because there are some specific topics in the NT that I am very interested in working with, such as the Day of the Lord themes and how they carry over and are used, as well as the few mythological references in the NT. I just really like the program. There are also a few other classes that sound very interesting, that don’t nessecarily deal directly with mythology, but could possibly have some mythological backgrounds to them.
Of course, this is all just a bit of dreaming at the moment - and as I well know, the best laid plans of mice and men…
wezlo said,
August 15, 2006 at 7:59 am
Just be warned - it’s really difficult to get out of Chicago. They graduate almost no one. Talk to qohelet at Christdot (who’s at Brandeis right now, btw) - he can give you the scoop….
Now, if you manage to get out of Chicago alive - then you’ll be able to get a job anywhere, so it’s a trade-off…
jhaas said,
August 17, 2006 at 12:17 am
horray for a new post!!!
i have friends in Chicago! i love it! yes, go there!
qohelet said,
September 3, 2006 at 11:12 pm
In response to wezlo’s comments, Chicago can be crazy. However, most of the craziness comes from the Oriental Institute, not the div school. I’d probably put Brandeis’ program as better, but then again we get more classes in mythology (and in the orignal Akkadian an Ugaritic as well).
However, it is a really strong program. Tikva Frymer-Kensky is really a great scholar, and Fishbane used to teach at Brandeis (he taught Marc Brettler who currently is the Hebrew Bible guy). Add to this that Chicago is a much cheaper city to live in than Boston, and it’s a no-brainer.
All that said, you go to the one that except you and gives you lots of money
BTW: Have you looked at NYU? Mark Smith and Dan Fleming make a formidable team.