jueves, 12 de diciembre de 2013

SYMPOSIUM

2014 Annual Research Colloquium:
Religion, Leadership and Social Transformation

Spend the month of July in New York working on a research or writing project related to the theme of “Religion, Leadership and Social Transformation,” with access to libraries and research facilities at Columbia University, Union, Auburn, and Jewish Theological Seminaries. Applications from scholars, theologians, activists and artists will be accepted.

Application deadline is February 2, 2014.

About the theme “Religion, Leadership and Social Transformation”

Religion, faith, and spirituality have often played a role in campaigns and movements for social change. The Colloquium is interested in questions such as:

• What role do faith leaders, faith organizations, and religious ideas or theologies play in bringing about social change?
• Historically, and today, what roles have religion played in specific domestic or international campaigns or movements, such as civil rights, women’s movement, environmental movement, immigration, nuclear disarmament, LGBT equality, right to life, Tea Party, Occupy, etc.? Do some “issues” lend themselves to involvement by religious groups or ideas more than others?
• What is the dynamic of cross-faith interaction in social transformation work?
• How are faith leaders equipped or trained for social justice work?
• What are the obstacles and opportunities of faith leaders working effectively with secular groups (or “nones,” agnostics, etc.) for social transformation?
• How does participation in social change work affect religious belief or practice?
Historical, theological, and intellectual investigations will all be considered.

About the Colloquium

The program includes single room housing in Union Seminary in Manhattan. Alternative arrangements are up to the candidate (the cost of the single housing may be made available in such cases).

The Colloquium will bring together fellows (scholars of religion, sociologists, clergy, activists and others) who have worked on these questions and offer them an opportunity for in-depth scholarly exploration of commonalities and differences. By creating an environment conducive to research, open reflection and scholarly inquiry, participants are encouraged to learn from others who have studied different or convergent topics, bringing perspectives from their different fields. In addition, fellows will be given the opportunity to participate in Auburn’s Media Training and will be encouraged to consider ways to bring their work to public audiences.

The program includes single room housing at Union Seminary in Manhattan. Alternative arrangements can be made by those who are accepted as available at Union or elsewhere, but any additional cost will be the responsibility of the fellow.
At the Colloquium, fellows spend four weeks together, pursuing individual research as well as gathering as a group for focused and facilitated discussions. Those who are selected for a fellowship are referred to as "Coolidge Scholars" after William A. Coolidge, the principal benefactor of this program. Each Coolidge Scholar works on his or her own project, but benefits by being able to collaborate with others. The collegial relationships that develop within the group are a crucial element of this program and one of its distinctive aspects. The work of the fellows is eligible for publication in the journal CrossCurrents.

If you have further questions about the content of the Colloquium, please contact one of the following:

• J.C. Austin, Auburn Seminary (jaustin@auburnseminary.org).
• Charles Henderson, CrossCurrents (chashenderson@mindspring.com)
• Lisa Anderson, Auburn Seminary, (landerson@auburnseminary.org)

Colloquium Logistics and Schedule

The Colloquium takes place July 1-31, 2014. The daily schedule allows a balance of structured and unstructured time, including:

1. Time for individual research, reflection and consultation with fellows and staff
2. Seminars for facilitated and focused discussion that also integrate work-in-progress reports by fellows
3. Common meals and opportunities to explore the artistic and cultural resources of New York City

The Colloquium is residential and provides fellows with room and board (vegetarian/kosher food available) and access to libraries and research facilities at Columbia University, Teachers College, Union, Auburn and Jewish Theological Seminaries. Participants are required to pay a $125 registration fee upon acceptance plus the cost of travel to New York City.

Eligibility and Application

The successful applicant will be capable of writing for a publication of the caliber of CrossCurrents. Normally, fellows will hold doctorates; some will have professional degrees or ordination; a few will qualify by reason of equivalent experience.  For ideas on the types of projects we encourage, please check the CrossCurrents website to view back issues of the journal.

1) Title and brief description (1-2 pp.) of the applicant's proposed project.
2) A brief resume including religious affiliation or preference, academic standing and professional experience.
3) The names, titles, institutional addresses and telephone numbers of two references. (You do not need to have these persons write a letter; we will contact references as needed.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY, VISIT:

www.crosscurrents.org/colloquium.htm

If you have any further questions about the Colloquium or would like to explore the appropriateness of a project you are thinking about, please contact:
Charles Henderson, CrossCurrents, Executive Director
Email: colloquium@crosscurrents.org
Tel: 212-870-2544 or
Cell: 917-439-2305