Doctoral Workshop
The Islamic Studies Program is pleased to announce a call for proposals for a new graduate-student-led reading group in Islamic Studies to be held in Spring 2025.
We invite proposals from PhD students in any discipline for a semester-long (4-5 meetings) thematic reading group. The thematic focus is open but should concern questions relevant to Islamic studies, broadly conceived.
We particularly seek proposals that concern contemporary approaches and methodologies in the study of Islam that can attract graduate students and faculty from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds, and departments. We envision this reading group as a space for scholars across IU Bloomington to exchange ideas and perspectives (disciplinary, methodological, theoretical, etc.) and to find common ground and make new connections within the field of Islamic studies. As such, proposed topics should be broad enough to appeal to a wide audience and to allow for conversation and connections across disciplines and sub-specialties.
The student whose proposal is accepted will have the opportunity to design the overall concept, trajectory, and scope of the reading group and to lead each session (exact number and schedule to be determined in consultation with the Islamic Studies Program). The selected applicant will also receive a $500 Islamic Studies Fellowship.
We welcome proposals from PhD students in any department or school who are in residence at IU Bloomington. Applicants need not primarily be scholars of Islam, though it should be a prominent feature of their work.
Prior to submitting a proposal, we ask applicants to consult with a faculty advisor of their choosing who supports the applicant’s proposal and, if selected, agrees to attend the reading group sessions. The faculty advisor should be willing to provide support or help facilitate, if needed.