Proposing an annual theme for a research group at the Katz Center
Any individual or group of scholars in the fields of Jewish studies may submit a proposal for an annual theme. Proposals will be considered and evaluated by the two academic advisory committees that assist the director in selecting annual topics.
Since all the Katz Center research groups are interdisciplinary, we encourage scholars to design themes in consultation or collaboration with colleagues in different fields, who represent different scholarly perspectives.
Before submitting a formal proposal, the proposers should consult with the director who can offer specific guidance and advice in developing the proposal. Once submitted, proposals will be carefully evaluated, and proposers can expect collaborative input from members of the reviewing committee as part of the process of refining the proposal.
Guidelines
A proposal for a research group is not the same as a grant proposal. There is little need to justify the value of studying a given subject. Rather, proposers should present a rationale for long-term collective investigation. Why does this theme merit gathering some 20 scholars for a year? In what ways will the proposed theme enrich, enlighten, and move the field forward? How does this theme engage methodological, substantive, and disciplinary issues that require serious discussion at this time?
- While a proposal need not contain a full history of the field, it does need to explain to outsiders why the proposed theme is timely and critical in advancing knowledge in the field at this juncture.
- A strong proposal should be broad, interdisciplinary, comparative, and attractive to large numbers of scholars, internationally, from both within Judaic studies and from adjacent disciplines. A good proposal will attract as many as 80-100 applicants from which 20 will be selected.
- The proposal should include a set of questions that address the most critical issues of the field.
- Proposals should include a list of potential participants in order to demonstrate how broad and how appealing the subject might be to a wide range of scholars. Those appearing on the list need not be approached in any formal way. The list should only provide some indication of potential interest on the part of scholars around the world.
- The proposal process is ongoing, there is no formal deadline. The center usually plans the seminar themes years in advance. Successful proposals will result in a research year scheduled anywhere from 3-5 years from the date of the original proposal.
- Proposals should be no more than 5 pages long, and should include an appendix of potential applicants (see samples). Please submit the proposal directly to:
David B. Ruderman, Director
Herbert D. Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies
The University of Pennsylvania
420 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-1290
Fax: (215) 238-1540
ruderman@sas.upenn.edu
Click on the links below to see some successful proposals from previous years:
