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Department of Religious Studies - Welcome
Welcome to the Department of Religious Studies, the academic center for the interdisciplinary study of religion at the University of Pittsburgh.
Teaching and research encompass anthropology, history, literature, medicine, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. We are committed to a non-sectarian approach to religion as a phenomenon of human history, culture, and society. We are attentive to the intersection of religion with race, class, ethnicity, nationality, (dis)ability, gender, and sexuality.
We teach students to examine beliefs and practices through various sources of evidence: texts, films, art, architecture, material culture, music, performances, and rituals. We strive to enhance students’ ability to fully participate in local, national, and global contexts as culturally literate citizens and compassionate professionals. Through the study of the ways that diverse individuals and groups have found purpose and value, we offer an academic opportunity for students to engage with life’s most pressing questions.
Course Spotlight: The Pittsburgh Torah Scrolls Project
The students in Dr. Rachel Kranson’s “Jews and Judaism: Modern” course researched the histories of ten of the Torah
ReligYinz
In this online exhibit, students showcase original research on unexpected
Latest Department News
Our department is always bustling with news from our graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty.
Digital Humanities Projects
Browse the project information on The Meyers Excavations Digital Archives Project and Footprints: Jewish Books
Highlights
Course Spotlight: The Pittsburgh Torah Scrolls Project
The students in Dr. Rachel Kranson’s “Jews and Judaism: Modern” course researched the histories of ten of the Torah Scrolls that can be found in the Pittsburgh area.
ReligYinz
In this online exhibit, students showcase original research on unexpected facets of religious life in Pittsburgh.
Latest Department News
Our department is always bustling with news from our graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty.
Digital Humanities Projects
Browse the project information on The Meyers Excavations Digital Archives Project and Footprints: Jewish Books Through Time and Place.