Dr. James Bielo

Associate Professor

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Biography

James S. Bielo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Northwestern University, specializing in the anthropology of religion. His ethnographic work focuses on Christianity and the material culture associated with it in the United States. His research interests encompass materiality, language, and the lived resources of religious life, as well as the intimate relationships between religion and power. In 2021, he published his fifth monograph, 'Materializing Bible: Scripture, Sensation, Place,' which explores how written scripture is transformed into experiential environments. This work examines a diverse range of practices across various sites including theme parks, gardens, and museums. Bielo is also involved in digital scholarship projects and active public scholarship initiatives, featuring physical exhibits at notable venues. He is a mentor for students interested in ethnographic studies of religion and material culture.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Teaching and conducting research in the anthropology of religion and material culture.

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.