PhD Tips: Generating Ideas for a Dissertation Topic in Biblical Studies

Introduction

Recently I read Nijay Gupta’s book, A Guidebook for Getting a PhD in Biblical Studies and Beyond.

It is an excellent and practical read on preparing for and navigating through a PhD in Biblical Studies.

I hope to write a review on this work sometime in the future.  For now, however,  I wanted to share a section of Gupta’s book on generating ideas for a dissertation topic.

Suggestions for Generating Dissertation Topics

#1 –  You must become an expert in your field

This requires reading the most important textbooks, articles and monographs from reputable sources and scholars.  The more you know, the more gaps you will see in the research which your topic can fill.

#2 – Read outside of your area of interest

If your interest is in Pauline literature, read about Petrine literature.  If it’s the Pentateuch, read about Prophetical literature. You may find a particular methodology in those sources that can be applied to your area of interest.

#3 – The magic is in the methodology

Advancements in biblical studies have to do with applying new methods of research to old questions, texts and sources.

Gupta suggests much is being learned from: “ritual studies, cognitive linguistics, the sociology of knowledge, modern continental philosophy, semiotics, theories of drama and performance, social identity and psychology.”

Gupta also suggests perusing past and recent copies of Biblical Interpretation which is dedicated to the development of newer techniques of interpretation.

I would also add that social-scientific (Elliott in 1 Peter; Clarke in 1 Corinthians), socio-rhetorical (Witherington in 1 Corinthians) and narrative criticism are potentially fruitful (and less traveled) avenues of research in the field of biblical studies.

#4 – Exploring Contemporaneous Texts

With improvements in critical editions and translations, comparing biblical sources to parallel Mesopotamian, Greco-Roman, or post-biblical Jewish texts (Dead Sea Scrolls) can also be a potential avenue for research.

In my estimation, the Dead Sea Scrolls in particular can shed light on many OT / NT texts, terms, ideas and practices.

A comparison study showing parallels and disagreements between two texts makes for a very straightforward research avenue (in terms of outline, methodology and the subjects your research must cover).

#5 – Texts That Are Less Researched

Synoptic and Pauline studies are abundant in the biblical studies field.  Lesser researched works include 1 Peter, Hebrews, Gospel of John, Acts and Revelation.  Applying one of the above methodologies to one of these lesser researched documents can potentially satisfy your dissertation topic search as well as calls for originality.

Conclusion

Finding a dissertation topic may sometimes appear difficult.  But the truth is that there are literally thousands of options available to you in terms of texts, periods and methodologies.

I would encourage you to read and reread the suggestions above in order to spark your imagination toward your eventual dissertation topic.

Happy researching!

(If you have other ideas for generating dissertation topics ideas, feel free to leave your comments below.)