Doctoral Program in Bible and Ancient Near East
The course-work and exams of the doctoral program in Bible and Ancient Near East (BANE) train students in the texts and cultures of ancient Israel, Mesopotamia, and Syria-Canaan. The dissertation may focus on one of these areas, or may be a comparative study. This broad training gives students the tools to do research in the original languages and texts of the major Near Eastern cultures, and helps them to gain broad competence that may serve and fuel their research and teaching throughout their careers. Within these areas of study, the program emphasizes the study of religion, ritual and magic, historiography, myth and literature through the close reading of texts in their original languages.
Preparation for the Ph.D.
A well-trained student entering the BANE doctoral program has studied Hebrew (biblical or modern) or another Near Eastern language for at least three years, and knows one or two other relevant languages (Akkadian, various Northwest Semitic languages, Arabic, Greek, German or French). An undergraduate concentration in BANE is not required, though training in the humanities or social sciences (e.g., languages, literature, philosophy, history, sociology or anthropology) is helpful. Students must be prepared to examine the Bible and Near Eastern texts from an historical-critical point of view. Students with less training are nonetheless encouraged to apply to the program. All applicants are encouraged to consult the faculty of the BANE program prior to their application to seek answers to questions, especially if there are questions about qualifications. Students lacking the proper training may want to apply for the M.A. program.
Course Work
Students in the BANE doctoral program take courses for the first three years. Typically a student will take four courses each semester (the minimum full time load is seven courses per year). In a typical semester, a student will take a course in Hebrew Bible, Akkadian and Northwest Semitics, with a fourth text or content course. (The latter includes courses such as Ancient Near Eastern Religion and Mythology, Women in the Bible, Near Eastern Law, Dead Sea Scrolls, etc.) The fourth course may be chosen in accordance with a student's ultimate specialty. Students interested in grammar or semitics are encouraged to study Arabic; those who want to do textual criticism should study Greek. Each student is to consult with all BANE faculty members about course selection at the beginning of each semester.
Research Language Examinations
Students take exams demonstrating their ability to read German, French and modern Hebrew scholarship on the Bible and Ancient Near East. These are administered by the BANE faculty. Each exam is three hours long. Students, using a dictionary, translate a portion of and answer questions on a text in the research language. Students are normally expected to take one of these language exams in each of the first three years. The language exams must be completed before the dissertation proposal can be approved. Any courses taken in these languages do not count among the courses taken for the BANE doctoral program.
Comprehensive Exams
Read the current BANE comprehensive exam policy.
Dissertation Proposal
After completing comprehensive exams, students, in consultation with the members of the BANE program, write a dissertation proposal, following the guidelines provided by the department. The proposal is then defended in a formal one-hour meeting with the BANE faculty, to help the student polish and prepare it for presentation at the full NEJS faculty meeting.
Dissertation
The dissertation is to make an original and significant contribution to the student's chosen field and topic. It may be a synthetic study covering various ancient Near Eastern cultures, or may focus on a particular culture. It is generally written under the official supervision of two BANE faculty members, though all BANE faculty may choose to participate.
Structure and Length of Program
The BANE doctoral program typically requires a minimum of six years to complete: three years of course work, one year of preparing for and taking comprehensive exams, and two years for writing the dissertation. The program may take longer to complete as students balance employment, family, and additional educational opportunities and responsibilities.