Comparative Methods Religion

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

What is at stake when one compares an ostensibly religious phenomenon from one time and place with that of another time and place? Is this a necessarily modern enterprise, hopelessly intertwined with colonialism? Or is comparison in one way or another a default epistemology for the study of religion? What methods are available for the student of religions who wishes to undertake comparative studies? This course examines writings on such topics in order both to appreciate the politics of comparison and to navigate informed methods for comparative research.