Dr. John Kieschnick

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. John Kieschnick. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

John Kieschnick specializes in Chinese Buddhism with a particular emphasis on cultural history. He is the author of "Eminent Monk: Buddhist Ideals in Medieval China" and has researched the impact of Buddhism on Chinese material culture. Currently, he is working on a book that provides Buddhist interpretations of the past in China and serves as a primer for reading Buddhist texts in Chinese. John is the chair of the Department of Religious Studies and the director of the Ho Center for Buddhist Studies at Stanford University. He has an extensive academic background, with significant positions held at various institutions, including the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Bristol. With a Ph.D. from Stanford University, his teaching and research are rooted in the interdisciplinary study of Buddhism, where he has contributed to several journals and held numerous editorial roles in the academic community.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2012-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Professor of Buddhist Studies

Chair

2016-01-01 — Present

Department of Religious Studies, Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Lead the department and oversee academic programs.

Professor

2011-01-01 — 2012-01-01

Department of Chinese Culture, Hong Kong Polytechnic University • Hong Kong

Senior faculty member at the university.

Reader

2007-01-01 — 2011-01-01

Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Bristol • Bristol, UK

Senior academic role focused on Buddhist studies.

Lecturer

2005-01-01 — 2007-01-01

Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Bristol • Bristol, UK

Responsible for teaching courses in Buddhist studies.

Postdoctoral Fellow

1995-01-01 — 1996-01-01

Center for Chinese Studies, University of California at Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Conducted advanced research in Chinese studies.

Courses

RELIGST 242 RELIGST 342 RELIGST 56 RELIGST 314 RELIGST 390 EASTASN 300 RELIGST 199 RELIGST 389 RELIGST 392 RELIGST 385 RELIGST 297 RELIGST 247 RELIGST 347 RELIGST 354 RELIGST 3

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.