For the full requirements, see the SGS Calendar or download the Graduate Handbook.
- The advisory committee is formed in August or September, prior to enrollment.
- With the student, the committee prepares the Program Memorandum.
- The committee meets yearly and submits an annual form to the grad office.
The Program Memorandum states the following:
- Projected thesis subject
- Area of specialization and at least one cognate area
- Languages required for the thesis research
- Courses to be taken
Required Courses
- RLG 1000Y: Method and Theory in the Study of Religion
- At least 1 half-year course in a subject other than the student's specialization
- At least 5 other half-year courses
Professionalization Seminar
- 12 workshops on diverse topics
- Should be completed throughout the program
- Early-stage workshops on pedagogy and grant writing
- Upper-year workshops on the academic job market
Exams in the following languages must be completed before the General Exams can be taken:
- At least 1 modern research language other than English
- At least 1 further language relevant to the student's specialization
The department offers language courses in Pāli, Sanskrit, and Tibetan. Students can take other language courses as needed across the University.
Thesis Pre-Proposal
- The student must submit a 2-page statement near the end of coursework.
- The pre-proposal includes a brief statement of the prospective thesis topic.
- The pre-proposal also names a supervisor and two professors for the Thesis Supervisory Committee.
General Examinations
- 3-hour written exam on the student's specialization
- 2-hour written exam on a cognate area
- 2-hour oral exam
- The oral is based on the Thesis Pre-Proposal.
- All three exams must be completed by the winter term in the 3rd year of the program.
- The proposal is due within three months of the General Exams.
- The proposal should be 10-15 pages, plus bibliography, including:
- A working title
- A concise statement of the thesis topic and relation to scholarship in the field
- A discussion of the principal sources and methods of inquiry
- The reasons for believing that the thesis will constitute a significant contribution to the field
- An outline of expected chapters
- A brief bibliography
- Upper-year students must give a 2-hour presentation to the department.
- The presentation should include the student's research, response from a faculty member, and Q&A.
- The colloquium must be completed before the thesis defense
- The dissertation is directed by the supervisor, with committee review once per year.
- The student is responsible for convening the yearly meeting.
- The defense is a 2-hour oral exam, including the following examiners: the student's supervisor, thesis committee members, a faculty member from the University of Toronto, and an external examiner.