Dr. Christian Wedemeyer

Associate Professor

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Biography

Christian K. Wedemeyer is an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago Divinity School, specializing in Buddhist Studies. His research interests focus on the theory and method of human sciences, the history of modern scholarship on religion and culture, and specific issues in historical textuality and ritual within Buddhist traditions. He has a particular expertise in esoteric (Tantric) Buddhism, with significant contributions to the understanding of Indian and Tibetan traditions. Among his notable works is 'Making Sense of Tantric Buddhism: History, Semiology, Transgression in Indian Traditions' published by Columbia University Press in 2012, which was honored with the 2013 American Academy of Religion Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion in Historical Studies. Wedemeyer has also conducted a text-critical study of key Indian works on esoteric practice, identifying critical Sanskrit and Tibetan texts as well as providing an annotated English translation. His edited volumes address themes in Tibetan Buddhist literature and explore the intersection of hermeneutics, politics, and the history of religions.

Research Interests

Courses

Classical Theories of Religion Contemporary Theories of Religion Introduction to the Study of Religion Indian Buddhism Tibetan Buddhism Mahayana Sutra Literature Indian Tantrisms Tibetan Auto/biography Buddhism in the Americas Ritual in South Asian Buddhism

Requirements for University of Chicago

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:104
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Writing sample Candidate statement
Application Checklist
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Specialization Notes

Department of Philosophy