Announcement: Two PhD positions in Religious Studies
There are two open PhD positions in Religious Studies at the University of Tromsø—the Arctic University of Norway—and the program is currently seeking applicants.
The positions are for a fixed term, with the objective of completion of research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to a PhD programme is a prerequisite for appointments, and the programme period starts on commencement in the positions. The PhD candidates shall participate in the faculty´s organized research training, and the PhD projects must be completed during the period of employment. Information about the application process for admission to the PhD programme, application form and regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) are available at UiT PhD regulations.
Application deadline: 14. May 2015
Resources of Interest: Fieldwork In Religion
Fieldwork in Religion is an internationally peer reviewed, interdisciplinary journal. The journal publishes articles, review essays and book reviews relevant to the theoretical engagement with and practical undertaking of fieldwork in religion. Submissions are welcome from any disciplinary perspective, theoretical paradigm or methodological approach. Although the journal specialises in contemporary matters, historical treatments with direct relevance to modern-day fieldwork in religion will be considered for publication.
Books of Interest: A Modest Proposal on Method
Russell T. McCutcheon, A Modest Proposal on Method: Essaying the Study of Religion (Brill 2015).
A Modest Proposal on Method further documents methodological and institutional failings in the academic study of religion. This collection of essays—which includes three previously unpublished chapters—identifies the manner in which old problems (like the presumption that our object of study is a special, deeply meaningful case) yet remain in the field. But amidst the critique there are a variety of practical suggestions for how the science of religion can become methodologically even-handed and self-reflexive—the markings of a historically rigorous exercise. Each chapter is introduced and contextualized by a newly written, substantive introduction.
Books of Interest: Japanese Buddhist Pilgrimage
Michael Pye, Japanese Buddhist Pilgrimage (Equinox 2015).
Japanese Buddhist Pilgrimage explores the ritual practice of “circulatory pilgrimages” – the visiting of many temples in a numbered sequence. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel such temple routes, seeking peace of mind, health and wellbeing for themselves and others as the benefits of such meritorious endeavour. This form of pilgrimage appears to be unique to Japan. The practice began centuries ago and involved visiting 33 temples devoted to the Bodhisattva Kannon, spread widely over western Japan. Soon afterwards the equally famous pilgrimage to 88 temples on Japan’s fourth island of Shikoku came into prominence.
This is the first comprehensive study of all the major and many of the minor routes, The book also examines how the practice of circulatory pilgrimage developed among the shrines and temples for the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, and beyond them to the rather different world of Shintō. The varying significance of the different pilgrimages is also explored. In addition to all the information about the routes, the book includes numerous illustrations and examples of the short Buddhist texts chanted by the pilgrims on their rounds.
Quote the discount code “Pilgrimage” to receive 25% off the retail price when ordering from http://www.equinoxpub.com; valid until the end of April 2015.
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