So You Want to Do Mormon Studies?

What do the experts uniformly say about getting started in Mormon Studies? Be comparative. Be broad. Build your context.

Laurie Maffly-Kipp

Archer Alexander Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, Washington University

“I suggest they study it in a broader context, such as a geographical context or a comparative context. The practical reason is that they are going to be more marketable if they have competencies that stretch them beyond Mormon Studies.”

Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

300th Anniversary University Professor of History, Harvard University

“Don’t imagine that this little group of people can tell you the whole story. You need to see things in relation to scholarship of all kinds, including other fields.”

Ann Taves

Virgil Cordano Chair of Catholic Studies, UC Santa Barbara

“The job market out there is really tough, so you need to prepare as broadly as you can and have a plan B.”

Terryl Givens

Jabez A. Bostwick Chair of English, University of Richmond

“People should qualify themselves in fields where they think Mormonism can be brought into the conversation.”