Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctoral Program in History and Sciences of Religions (PDHSR)

The Doctoral Program in History and Sciences of Religions (PDHSR) is an interdisciplinary initiative between the universities of Fribourg, Geneva, and Lausanne. This program offers a platform for doctoral students to engage in scientific debates and methodological discussions, providing a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration.

Objectives of the Program

The primary objective of the PDHSR is to create and maintain a network of doctoral students in the field of history and sciences of religions, facilitating their intellectual and professional development. The program aims to provide a platform for doctoral students to share their research, receive feedback, and engage in discussions with peers and experts in the field.

Target Audience

The PDHSR is designed for doctoral students from the universities of Lausanne, Fribourg, and Geneva who are pursuing research in the field of history and sciences of religions.

Institutions Involved

The program involves the following institutions:

• University of Lausanne (UNIL), with the three Institutes (IHAR, IRSB, ISSR) of the Faculty of Theology and Study of Religion, and the Institute of Archaeology and the Sciences of Antiquity of the Faculty of Arts.
• University of Fribourg (UNIFR), with the Chair of Study of Religion in the Faculty of Arts.
• University of Geneva (UNIGE), with the History of Religion Unit of the Department of the Study of Religion in the Faculty of Arts.

Program Activities

The program includes the following activities:

• An atelier on "The Thesis in Practice," focusing on practical skills and transferable competencies.
• A "Day of Doctoral Students," featuring presentations of ongoing research by advanced doctoral students.
• A conference-atelier on methodological, thematic, and theoretical issues, open to all doctoral students.

Evaluation and Assessment

Each event is evaluated through a written questionnaire by the organizers and participants. The results of these evaluations are integrated into the annual activity reports, which are sent to all participating faculties.

Organization and Coordination

The program is coordinated by a committee consisting of representatives from the participating universities. The coordination is supported by a network of diffusion, which allows for the exchange of information and the organization of events.

Research Areas

The PDHSR covers a wide range of research areas, including:

• History of religions
• Sciences of religions
• Theology
• Archaeology and sciences of antiquity
• Social sciences and humanities

Methodologies and Theories

The program explores various methodologies and theories, such as:

• Comparative studies
• Critical examination of authors and notions in the history of the discipline
• Conditions for a sound comparison
• Theories and methods in debate (e.g., the conditions of comparatism, definitions of the "religious fact")

Thematic Areas

The PDHSR addresses various thematic areas, including:

• Problematic of gender
• Processes of canonization of a tradition
• Prophetism
• Notions or authors crucial in the history of the discipline

Publications and Dissemination

The program publishes the presentations and discussions from the conference-atelier in the form of "Annales du Programme doctoral," which regroups contributions from doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers.

Conclusion

The Doctoral Program in History and Sciences of Religions (PDHSR) offers a unique opportunity for doctoral students to engage in interdisciplinary exchange, methodological discussions, and scientific debates. The program provides a platform for the development of practical skills, transferable competencies, and a network of peers and experts in the field.