Dear Religious Studies students,
As of today, I am relinquishing my duties as Director of Undergraduate Studies and closing up the Religious Studies advising office for the summer.
Professor Clark Chilson will take over as DUS and undergraduate advsisor for the department starting with the beginning of the fall term. He will post his office hours and contact information for the beginnning of the term on the blog soon.
In the meantime, if you have a question about advising--that cannot wait until the end of the summer--please e-mail Professor Chilson (chilson@pitt.edu) or Professor Orbach (orbach@pitt.edu).
I will be on leave in the fall term and back teaching in the spring.
I have enjoyed my time as DUS and I leave you in the capable hands of Prof. Chilson.
Sincerely,
Adam Shear
PS Two last notes about Peoplesoft which is not always up-to-date:
1) Prof. Chilson is the instructor for Religious Studies 1903 this coming fall term (2101) and not me.
2) A couple of you have asked me questions about the spring term schedule (2104). Although a "draft" version is now on Peoplesoft, this is simply the spring 2009 schedule carried over by the computer awaiting updates/corrections/deletions from the departments. Departments will submit schedule changes to Peoplesoft this month and next. You should not consider the schedule on Peoplesoft official until you get notification that the schedule has been published.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Harvard Divinity School Diversity and Explorations Program
Harvard Divinity School
Diversity & Explorations Program
November 3-5, 2009
“Exploring Opportunities in Ministry and Graduate Theological Studies”
What is “Diversity and Explorations”?
Harvard Divinity School’s DIVERSITY AND EXPLORATIONS PROGRAM is an initiative intended to increase students underrepresented in the graduate study of religion, with a particular focus on African American, Latino/a, Asian American and Native American students. The program invites applications from talented undergraduates whose background and experiences suggest a commitment to diversity and social justice issues as well as an interest in ministry, scholarship, or professional careers that are well served by the study of religion, theology, or ethics.
Who can participate?
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities who have a commitment to diversity initiatives, social justice projects, faith-based programs and community outreach. Consideration will also be given to students who are the first in their family to attend college or those who have attended a community college as a part of a four-year degree program. Please note: Students who have already graduated from an undergraduate program and those who may be considering second career options will be considered on a space available basis.
How can I be considered?
Selection for the program is competitive. Students must submit a short application, a personal statement describing their interest in the program, a nomination from a professor, career mentor or faith-based leader, a résumé, and official transcripts. Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 18, 2009. There will be some grants available for travel, and all selected participants will be provided lodging for two nights and meals during the program. Travel grants will be decided during the selection process by the committee based on the numbers of participants selected for the 2009 program and the funding available. Information on the program is available at www.hds.harvard.edu/afa.
Schedule Summary / Program Information
Participants will receive a detailed itinerary at the time of admission to the program and again at registration. All meals are provided during the course of the three-day program. Some of HDS’s faculty, staff and departments will hold open office hours, including the offices of Student Life, Registrar, Career Services, Religious and Spiritual Life, and Ministry Studies. Program participants will have an opportunity to sit in on classes and meet current students, faculty, staff and alumni during meals and at other occasions throughout the program. Andover-Harvard Theological Library will be open to visitors and participants will be provided with information on events open to the public throughout Harvard University. The following schedule provides a summary of the program’s events:
Tuesday, November 3
§ Participants arrive throughout the morning and afternoon; registration; hotel check-in
§ Participants attend open classes throughout the day and HDS Community Tea in the afternoon
§ Participants attend an informal dinner with current HDS students, Diversity and Explorations alumni and staff. Diversity and Explorations alumnus to be featured speaker.
Wednesday, November 4
The second day of the program will include sessions especially designed for Diversity and Explorations participants as well as panels, presentations, and open classes offered during Theological Education Day, which will be hosted on campus to coincide with the second day of the DivEx program. The day’s activities will include:
§ Panels and presentations on HDS programs, resources, and student life
§ Information about admissions and financial aid
§ Open classes and panel discussions for visiting students throughout the day
§ An open house at the Center for the Study of World Religions
§ Lunch with faculty, staff and denominational counselors
§ Open office hours with faculty and staff
§ Campus and library tours
§ Pastoral Preparation and Ordination: Resources at HDS
The day will conclude with a dinner with the HDS dean, alumni, current students, faculty, and staff. The keynote address will be given by Davíd Carrasco, Neil L. Rudenstine Professor for the Study of Latin America in the Faculty of Divinity and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Thursday, November 5
§ Continuation of panel discussions, including preparing for GRE workshop
§ Lunch with Harvard University graduate/professional school representatives and invited guests from seminaries and divinity schools from across the country.
§ Final day of the program concludes by 2pm
§ Check-out of hotel; participants return home
Note: schedule is subject to change.
Application, Notification of Decisions, and Registration
Applications must be received by Friday, September 18, 2009. Students will be notified by Friday, October 5 regarding their selection. Participants register on November 3 at Harvard Divinity School, where they will receive program materials and a detailed schedule of program activities and other events at HDS and Harvard University. Applications will be available in July at www.hds.harvard.edu/afa.
Travel and Lodging
Once the Office of Admissions has received confirmation of attendance, arrangements will be made with participants for lodging (local students may waive lodging). Participants who receive travel grants will work with the Office of Admissions to arrange travel. Other participants must make their own travel arrangements and notify the Office of Admissions by October 16 along with a copy of the travel itinerary.
We welcome you to visit our website at www.hds.harvard.edu for information about Harvard Divinity School.
Diversity & Explorations Program
November 3-5, 2009
“Exploring Opportunities in Ministry and Graduate Theological Studies”
What is “Diversity and Explorations”?
Harvard Divinity School’s DIVERSITY AND EXPLORATIONS PROGRAM is an initiative intended to increase students underrepresented in the graduate study of religion, with a particular focus on African American, Latino/a, Asian American and Native American students. The program invites applications from talented undergraduates whose background and experiences suggest a commitment to diversity and social justice issues as well as an interest in ministry, scholarship, or professional careers that are well served by the study of religion, theology, or ethics.
Who can participate?
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities who have a commitment to diversity initiatives, social justice projects, faith-based programs and community outreach. Consideration will also be given to students who are the first in their family to attend college or those who have attended a community college as a part of a four-year degree program. Please note: Students who have already graduated from an undergraduate program and those who may be considering second career options will be considered on a space available basis.
How can I be considered?
Selection for the program is competitive. Students must submit a short application, a personal statement describing their interest in the program, a nomination from a professor, career mentor or faith-based leader, a résumé, and official transcripts. Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 18, 2009. There will be some grants available for travel, and all selected participants will be provided lodging for two nights and meals during the program. Travel grants will be decided during the selection process by the committee based on the numbers of participants selected for the 2009 program and the funding available. Information on the program is available at www.hds.harvard.edu/afa.
Schedule Summary / Program Information
Participants will receive a detailed itinerary at the time of admission to the program and again at registration. All meals are provided during the course of the three-day program. Some of HDS’s faculty, staff and departments will hold open office hours, including the offices of Student Life, Registrar, Career Services, Religious and Spiritual Life, and Ministry Studies. Program participants will have an opportunity to sit in on classes and meet current students, faculty, staff and alumni during meals and at other occasions throughout the program. Andover-Harvard Theological Library will be open to visitors and participants will be provided with information on events open to the public throughout Harvard University. The following schedule provides a summary of the program’s events:
Tuesday, November 3
§ Participants arrive throughout the morning and afternoon; registration; hotel check-in
§ Participants attend open classes throughout the day and HDS Community Tea in the afternoon
§ Participants attend an informal dinner with current HDS students, Diversity and Explorations alumni and staff. Diversity and Explorations alumnus to be featured speaker.
Wednesday, November 4
The second day of the program will include sessions especially designed for Diversity and Explorations participants as well as panels, presentations, and open classes offered during Theological Education Day, which will be hosted on campus to coincide with the second day of the DivEx program. The day’s activities will include:
§ Panels and presentations on HDS programs, resources, and student life
§ Information about admissions and financial aid
§ Open classes and panel discussions for visiting students throughout the day
§ An open house at the Center for the Study of World Religions
§ Lunch with faculty, staff and denominational counselors
§ Open office hours with faculty and staff
§ Campus and library tours
§ Pastoral Preparation and Ordination: Resources at HDS
The day will conclude with a dinner with the HDS dean, alumni, current students, faculty, and staff. The keynote address will be given by Davíd Carrasco, Neil L. Rudenstine Professor for the Study of Latin America in the Faculty of Divinity and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Thursday, November 5
§ Continuation of panel discussions, including preparing for GRE workshop
§ Lunch with Harvard University graduate/professional school representatives and invited guests from seminaries and divinity schools from across the country.
§ Final day of the program concludes by 2pm
§ Check-out of hotel; participants return home
Note: schedule is subject to change.
Application, Notification of Decisions, and Registration
Applications must be received by Friday, September 18, 2009. Students will be notified by Friday, October 5 regarding their selection. Participants register on November 3 at Harvard Divinity School, where they will receive program materials and a detailed schedule of program activities and other events at HDS and Harvard University. Applications will be available in July at www.hds.harvard.edu/afa.
Travel and Lodging
Once the Office of Admissions has received confirmation of attendance, arrangements will be made with participants for lodging (local students may waive lodging). Participants who receive travel grants will work with the Office of Admissions to arrange travel. Other participants must make their own travel arrangements and notify the Office of Admissions by October 16 along with a copy of the travel itinerary.
We welcome you to visit our website at www.hds.harvard.edu for information about Harvard Divinity School.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Amazing April 09 Grads: Your Diplomas may be a bit delayed
A message from the Registrar’s office:
"As a result of the severe thunderstorms in the Pittsburgh area on Wednesday
evening, 06/17/2009, a number of University buildings experienced major
flooding. The University Registrar’s Office in G3 Thackeray Hall was one
of those areas. Consequently, all of the diplomas for April graduates were
destroyed. We are in the process of working with our diploma vendor to
reprint the diplomas as quickly as possible. It is anticipated that we will
be able to mail the reprinted diplomas on or about July 2nd."
"As a result of the severe thunderstorms in the Pittsburgh area on Wednesday
evening, 06/17/2009, a number of University buildings experienced major
flooding. The University Registrar’s Office in G3 Thackeray Hall was one
of those areas. Consequently, all of the diplomas for April graduates were
destroyed. We are in the process of working with our diploma vendor to
reprint the diplomas as quickly as possible. It is anticipated that we will
be able to mail the reprinted diplomas on or about July 2nd."
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Congratulations again to our amazing April 09 graduates!
We received official notification today from the Dean's office that the Department had 14 majors and 24 minors graduate in April.
Something noteworthy and unprecedented: All 14 majors graduated with "Latin" honors: cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude, based on overall academic performance as undergraduates. Quite an accomplishment for the Religious Studies class of 2009.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Something noteworthy and unprecedented: All 14 majors graduated with "Latin" honors: cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude, based on overall academic performance as undergraduates. Quite an accomplishment for the Religious Studies class of 2009.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Summer Business
Important notes for the summer:
1) Wednesday July 8 is the deadline for continuing students to register for the fall term without a penalty. But see below--don't wait that long or I will not be able to help you with registration.
2) Friday July 10 is the deadline to apply for December 2009 graduation in 140 Thackeray Hall. But
3) You can register for classes in a summer session up to the day the summer session starts.
4) I will be available for emergency advising (i.e. you need to register for the summer or fall) on an ad hoc basis in May and June. E-mail first. The department will not have an advisor in July or August (until the beginning of the fall term) and you will have to make arrangements with the A&S Advising Center if you need an advisor's signature on something.
5) I will be going on leave for the fall term and will relinquish my duties as Director of Undergraduate Studies. Watch this space for an announcement of the new DUS in a few weeks.
6) The department office is closed most of the time during this quiet period and pending the arrival of a new department administrator. We will post an announcement here once the office is back to regular hours. In the meantime, if you need to pick up a paper or leave something for a faculty member, you should make arrangements in advance with the faculty member or TA so as not to arrive on the 26th floor of the Cathedral to find the office locked up.
1) Wednesday July 8 is the deadline for continuing students to register for the fall term without a penalty. But see below--don't wait that long or I will not be able to help you with registration.
2) Friday July 10 is the deadline to apply for December 2009 graduation in 140 Thackeray Hall. But
3) You can register for classes in a summer session up to the day the summer session starts.
4) I will be available for emergency advising (i.e. you need to register for the summer or fall) on an ad hoc basis in May and June. E-mail first. The department will not have an advisor in July or August (until the beginning of the fall term) and you will have to make arrangements with the A&S Advising Center if you need an advisor's signature on something.
5) I will be going on leave for the fall term and will relinquish my duties as Director of Undergraduate Studies. Watch this space for an announcement of the new DUS in a few weeks.
6) The department office is closed most of the time during this quiet period and pending the arrival of a new department administrator. We will post an announcement here once the office is back to regular hours. In the meantime, if you need to pick up a paper or leave something for a faculty member, you should make arrangements in advance with the faculty member or TA so as not to arrive on the 26th floor of the Cathedral to find the office locked up.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Ossip Writing Awards
If you wrote a 1903 paper this year or another substantial research paper, you should consider enteringt this contest!
THE 2009 OSSIP AWARDS
FOR EXCELLENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE WRITING
Sponsored by the School of Arts and Sciences
The School of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce our annual writing competition. Its purpose is to recognize and promote fine nonfiction prose writing in the Natural Sciences, the Social Sciences, and the Humanities. Cash prizes will be awarded for winning entries in the categories of Research Writing (projects involving substantial analysis of primary sources or data) and Critical Writing (projects involving critical analysis of a text, artifact, problem, issue, or experience—with or without the use of secondary sources).
The 2009 competition will consider pieces written for courses taken at the University of Pittsburgh during the 2007-2008 or 2008-2009 academic years (Fall, Spring, or Summer Terms). Submissions will be judged by the College Writing Board, and the awards will be acknowledged at the Honors Convocation.
Guidelines for Submission:
1. Papers must have been written by a matriculated undergraduate student in Arts and Sciences, to fulfill the requirements for a course at the University of Pittsburgh. Papers may be revised before being submitted to the contest.
2. For paper submission, please send or deliver eight clean copies to the Chair of the College Writing Board, Dept of English, 526 CL. The copies should be accompanied by one cover sheet listing the title of the piece; student’s name, address, e-mail address, and Social Security number; the name of the department, the class, and the professor for whom the paper was written; and the category in which the paper belongs (Research or Critical Writing). The title should appear on the first page of the paper; otherwise, the paper should have no identifying information.
3. For electronic submission, please follow the guidelines found on the Writing Across the Curriculum website (www.wac.pitt.edu). The title should appear on the first page of the paper; otherwise, the paper should have no identifying information.
4. All contestants must either include a copy of the assignment that prompted the paper, or attach a preface that explains the assignment in detail. (Please include eight copies for paper submissions.) Submissions without an assignment sheet or preface will not be considered.
5. The deadline for submission is May 15, 2009. Submissions will be accepted any time after February 1, 2009.
6. Fiction and poetry are not eligible for the Ossip Award.
THE 2009 OSSIP AWARDS
FOR EXCELLENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE WRITING
Sponsored by the School of Arts and Sciences
The School of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce our annual writing competition. Its purpose is to recognize and promote fine nonfiction prose writing in the Natural Sciences, the Social Sciences, and the Humanities. Cash prizes will be awarded for winning entries in the categories of Research Writing (projects involving substantial analysis of primary sources or data) and Critical Writing (projects involving critical analysis of a text, artifact, problem, issue, or experience—with or without the use of secondary sources).
The 2009 competition will consider pieces written for courses taken at the University of Pittsburgh during the 2007-2008 or 2008-2009 academic years (Fall, Spring, or Summer Terms). Submissions will be judged by the College Writing Board, and the awards will be acknowledged at the Honors Convocation.
Guidelines for Submission:
1. Papers must have been written by a matriculated undergraduate student in Arts and Sciences, to fulfill the requirements for a course at the University of Pittsburgh. Papers may be revised before being submitted to the contest.
2. For paper submission, please send or deliver eight clean copies to the Chair of the College Writing Board, Dept of English, 526 CL. The copies should be accompanied by one cover sheet listing the title of the piece; student’s name, address, e-mail address, and Social Security number; the name of the department, the class, and the professor for whom the paper was written; and the category in which the paper belongs (Research or Critical Writing). The title should appear on the first page of the paper; otherwise, the paper should have no identifying information.
3. For electronic submission, please follow the guidelines found on the Writing Across the Curriculum website (www.wac.pitt.edu). The title should appear on the first page of the paper; otherwise, the paper should have no identifying information.
4. All contestants must either include a copy of the assignment that prompted the paper, or attach a preface that explains the assignment in detail. (Please include eight copies for paper submissions.) Submissions without an assignment sheet or preface will not be considered.
5. The deadline for submission is May 15, 2009. Submissions will be accepted any time after February 1, 2009.
6. Fiction and poetry are not eligible for the Ossip Award.
Volunteer Nature and Social Projects in Israel
Dear Sir/Madam,
My name is Jonathan Gilben (Geography graduate from the University of Nottingham, U.K.) and I work with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and other leading NGO's in Israel.
Together we run non-profit volunteer projects for the protection of endangered species & social aid in Israel, some of which promote peace initiatives in the region.
...we hope that your students will enjoy a unique opportunity to volunteer while experiencing Israel’s diverse cultural and natural environment.
The volunteer projects are posted at: goeco.org/israel
Please feel free to contact me for any questions you may have.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely yours,
Jonathan Gilben
GoEco
13 Rozanis St.
Tel-Aviv 69018, Israel
Tel: 972-3-6474208
Fax: 972-3-6485655
Cell: 972-50-5762797
goeco@goeco.org / goeco@goeco.co.il
www.goeco.org / www.goeco.co.il
[Image: "or.asp"]
My name is Jonathan Gilben (Geography graduate from the University of Nottingham, U.K.) and I work with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and other leading NGO's in Israel.
Together we run non-profit volunteer projects for the protection of endangered species & social aid in Israel, some of which promote peace initiatives in the region.
...we hope that your students will enjoy a unique opportunity to volunteer while experiencing Israel’s diverse cultural and natural environment.
The volunteer projects are posted at: goeco.org/israel
Please feel free to contact me for any questions you may have.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely yours,
Jonathan Gilben
GoEco
13 Rozanis St.
Tel-Aviv 69018, Israel
Tel: 972-3-6474208
Fax: 972-3-6485655
Cell: 972-50-5762797
goeco@goeco.org / goeco@goeco.co.il
www.goeco.org / www.goeco.co.il
[Image: "or.asp"]
Cultural Studies Presenations
Done with exams and interested in a little more intellectual stimulation before your summer job?
The Graduate Program for Cultural Studies presents:
Graduate Colloquium and Guest Lecture
Friday, April 24, 2009
2:30-6:30pm
1501 Posvar Hall
Please join us for three presentations by students from Joshua Lund’s Cultural Studies Common Seminar, “Race in the Americas: The Biopolitical Turn,” followed by a
guest lecture by renowned philosopher, Roberto Esposito.
Program:
2:30pm: Graduate Student Presentations:
Josh Beaty (Communications). “Border Patrols: The Creation and Maintenance of the Israeli People through Film and Television.”
Alessandra Chiriboga (Hispanic Languages and Literatures). “Security against Life: The Guatemalan ‘model village’.”
Sarah Ohmer (Hispanic Languages and Literatures). “Performative Responses to State Racism: 'KRUMPing' in the HollyWatts and the 'AfroReggae Cultural Movement' in Rio de Janeiro.”
3:30pm: Refreshments
Please join us in room 2201 Posvar for some coffee and sweets.
4:00pm: Guest Lecture: "Time For Biopolitics" by visiting philosopher, Roberto Esposito (Italian Institute for the Human Sciences, Naples)
A Q & A with Esposito will follow the lecture.
The event is free and open at all. All lectures will be delivered in English. Please come to listen and to help us celebrate the end of the semester!
The Graduate Program for Cultural Studies presents:
Graduate Colloquium and Guest Lecture
Friday, April 24, 2009
2:30-6:30pm
1501 Posvar Hall
Please join us for three presentations by students from Joshua Lund’s Cultural Studies Common Seminar, “Race in the Americas: The Biopolitical Turn,” followed by a
guest lecture by renowned philosopher, Roberto Esposito.
Program:
2:30pm: Graduate Student Presentations:
Josh Beaty (Communications). “Border Patrols: The Creation and Maintenance of the Israeli People through Film and Television.”
Alessandra Chiriboga (Hispanic Languages and Literatures). “Security against Life: The Guatemalan ‘model village’.”
Sarah Ohmer (Hispanic Languages and Literatures). “Performative Responses to State Racism: 'KRUMPing' in the HollyWatts and the 'AfroReggae Cultural Movement' in Rio de Janeiro.”
3:30pm: Refreshments
Please join us in room 2201 Posvar for some coffee and sweets.
4:00pm: Guest Lecture: "Time For Biopolitics" by visiting philosopher, Roberto Esposito (Italian Institute for the Human Sciences, Naples)
A Q & A with Esposito will follow the lecture.
The event is free and open at all. All lectures will be delivered in English. Please come to listen and to help us celebrate the end of the semester!
Writing Fellowship: Judaism and Social Justice
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Dvar Tzedek Lisa Goldberg Memorial Writers' Fellowship for 5770 / 2009-2010. AJWS Dvar Tzedek Fellows receive a modest stipend and write weekly Torah commentaries relating to the Jewish imperative for social justice. The Dvar Tzedek currently reaches over 4,000 people a week over e-mail.
To download the application for the fellowship, see here: http://ajws.org/what_we_do/education/publications/dvar_tzedek/dt_fellowship_application.pdf.
To see examples of the work of this year's Dvar Tzedek fellows, visit www.ajws.org/parshah.
We invite you to apply for the fellowship and to circulate information about the fellowship to anyone you think would be interested. For more information, please contact Lisa Exler at lexler@ajws.org.
To download the application for the fellowship, see here: http://ajws.org/what_we_do/education/publications/dvar_tzedek/dt_fellowship_application.pdf.
To see examples of the work of this year's Dvar Tzedek fellows, visit www.ajws.org/parshah.
We invite you to apply for the fellowship and to circulate information about the fellowship to anyone you think would be interested. For more information, please contact Lisa Exler at lexler@ajws.org.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Summer Courses: Religions of the West and Religions of Asia
As many of you know, summer courses must gain a minimum enrollment in order to be offered. The time when the Dean makes the decision about whether to cancel a course is approaching quickly as we near the end of the spring term. If you have been planning to take Religions of the West or Religions of Asia during the summer term but have not yet registered for them, please do so now. The Dean's office will make decisions in the next two weeks based on enrollment numbers--for better or for worse, the Dean cannot read your mind.
E-mail me and I will register you.
E-mail me and I will register you.
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