Ex Cathedra

Talk by Dr Paula Kane

2011-04-13T08:05:00.003-04:00

Dr Kane will be the the keynote speaker for the student group “Secular Alliance” for an event taking place on Wednesday, April 13, at 8:30 p.m., 253 C.L. The title of her talk is “The Benefits of a Godless Constitution: The First Amendment in American religious history”

The event will be being videotaped for a national audience.

LGBTQ Religious Panel

2011-04-12T07:52:00.001-04:00

There will be an LGBTQ Religious Panel held this Thursday (April 14) at
8:45pm in Room 837 William Pitt Union.

The religious panel will have representatives from local Buddhist,
Catholic, Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist, and Jewish communities.
They will be briefly discussing their religion's view on homosexuality
and LGBTQ issues as well as social activism in general and the Queer
Movement specifically. A wide variety of religious perspectives will be
represented, with a Q&A following the event.

Adam Dobson
Rainbow Alliance
University of Pittsburgh

CALL FOR PAPERS: Undergraduate Conference in Religion and Philosophy

2011-02-04T16:35:00.000-05:00

Friday and Saturday, March 25-26, 2011
Saint Francis University
Loretto, Pennsylvania 15940
CALL FOR PAPERS
We cordially invite undergraduates to submit proposals for the fifth annual North American
Undergraduate Conference in Religion and Philosophy. Submissions are encouraged from
students majoring in all academic fields.
Although any paper related to religion and philosophy will be considered, priority will be given
to those addressing this year’s theme, “Race in America.” As philosopher Cornel West asserted,
“A fully functional multiracial society cannot be achieved without a sense of history and open,
honest dialogue.” Accordingly, this year’s conference will forthrightly address philosophical
and religious questions of race and how these questions relate to politics, culture, society, and
history. To begin our conversation, this year’s keynote speaker will be George Yancy, Associate
Professor of Philosophy at Duquesne University and author of Black Bodies, White Gazes: The
Continuing Significance of Race.
Paper proposals (roughly 250 words) should give a concise description of the presentation. The
deadline for proposals is February 18, 2011. Please include your full name, paper title,
institution, e-mail, phone number, and the name and contact information of your major professor.
Presenters must submit their full paper by March 11, 2011 to be considered for conference
prizes. Proposals and final papers should be sent via e-mail attachment to Dr. Arthur Remillard
at aremillard@francis.edu.
The keynote address will be given on Friday evening, with a student-led discussion to follow. All
student presentations will be given on Saturday from approximately 9:00am-5:00pm. This
conference is open to the public and free for presenters and non-presenters alike. For more
information, directions, contacts, scheduling, etc., please visit our website:
www.francis.edu/NAUCRP.htm or join the Facebook group, “St. Francis University Department
of Philosophy and Religious Studies.” This conference is organized by St. Francis University and
Westminster College, with support from SFU’s School of Arts and Letters, Department of
Philosophy & Religious Studies, and the Institute for Ethics.

Ethel Halpern Award - Call For Applications

2011-01-31T11:53:00.001-05:00

University of Pittsburgh, School of Arts and Sciences
PROGRAM IN JEWISH STUDIES

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

ETHEL M. HALPERN AWARD IN JEWISH STUDIES
for Undergraduate Jewish Studies students at the University of Pittsburgh
funded by the Ethel M. Halpern Endowed Fund for Students.

APPLICATIONS DUE: Monday February 14, 2011, 4 pm.

Undergraduate students are invited to apply for funding for any of the following purposes:
travel or living expenses associated with a study abroad experience involving Jewish studies;
travel or living expenses associated with participation in a summer language program in Hebrew, Yiddish, or another language relevant to Jewish studies;
travel or living expenses associated with participation in an unpaid internship program connected to Jewish studies;
travel expenses related to other study or research in Jewish studies;
purchase of books or other materials related to research in Jewish studies.

Awards of up to $1000 each will be made for projects in the Summer of 2011 or during Academic Year 2011-2012.

Halpern Awards may be held in conjunction with other University and external funding in cases where the project costs exceed $1000.

The following application materials must be received in the Jewish Studies office, 2604 Cathedral of Learning, by 4 pm, Monday February 14:

a statement of purpose explaining the proposed activities and how the activities will further the student’s undergraduate studies;
a budget of anticipated expenses, including a list of other aid applied for, and a statement of the amount (up to $1000) requested from the Halpern Fund
an official transcript from Pitt and any previous undergraduate institutions;
a letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with the student’s work in Jewish Studies

Eligibility:
Full-time undergraduates in the School of Arts and Sciences
Have completed or be currently enrolled in at least one Jewish studies class (including Hebrew language) at the University of Pittsburgh

For any questions about the award, please contact:
Adam Shear, Director, Jewish Studies, ashear@pitt.edu.

School of Information Science i3 Summer Program

2011-01-31T11:50:00.001-05:00

The i3 Program is a set of paid, summer institutes for undergraduate students from underrepresented populations who would excel at graduate study in the Information Sciences.

The i3 Program is funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and aims to increase student diversity in graduate programs at US-based Information Schools (iSchools) and to encourage those students to consider academic and professional careers within the Information Sciences. The University of Pittsburgh will host the first i3 Program in June 2011. To see what the i3 Program includes, click here to view a downloadable FAQ
sheet:

http://www.ischool-inclusion.org/documents/FAQ.pdf

Teach for American Information Session

2011-01-21T15:23:00.002-05:00

Teach For America Info Session: Tuesday, January 25 @ 7pm, WPU 548

Only 50% of the 15.5 million children growing up in poverty will graduate from high school. Educational inequity limits the life prospects of millions of children. TEACH FOR being part of the solution.

Teach For America is hosting an information session on Tuesday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m. EST in WPU 548. Come join us to learn how you can be part of the solution!

Date: Tuesday, January 25
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: WPU 548

This event is open to students of all years, academic majors and career interests, so please stop by and bring your friends. Food and drinks will be provided!

Teach For America’s next and FINAL application deadline is Friday, February 4. Apply now to join the fight to end educational inequity! You have until 11:59 p.m. EST to submit your application!

If you have any questions about the event or our application deadline, please contact Kendra-Lee Rosati, senior recruitment director with Teach For America, kendra-lee.rosati@teachforamerica.org.

Pitt in Asia Study Abroad Information Session

2011-01-07T12:35:00.000-05:00

ASC and the Study Abroad Office will be holding an Asia Study Abroad information session on Tuesday evening to present on the program options that Pitt offers, with a panel of recent alumni from Pitt programs in Asia who are happy to answer questions and give advice on program content and scholarships. If you would like to attend this program, see the details below:

Pitt in Asia Study Abroad Programs (Summer and Academic Year / Semester)

Are you interested in spending the summer, or a semester or full academic year in Asia? Do you currently study an Asian language at Pitt, or do you want the chance to learn a new language in an immersion environment? Would you love to study abroad but need some advice or information on ways to find scholarships to help offset the cost of going overseas? If so, you’re welcome to join us for an hour to learn about the Pitt-approved programs that you can attend, and meet Study Abroad Office staff and recent alumni of several Pitt programs in China, Japan, India, and other countries!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 6:00-7:00 PM 4130 Posvar Hall

This program is free and no registration is required! If you are planning to apply for programs taking place this summer or the coming academic year, we strongly encourage you to come with any application questions or concerns you’d like to discuss with our panel!

Questions? Please contact Jennifer Murawski at jennm@pitt.edu or Ben Pilcher at bjp10@pitt.edu.

Foundations: Undergraduate Journal

2010-12-09T08:44:00.003-05:00

Would you like to submit to Foundations?
Foundations is now accepting submissions. All papers
must meet the following criteria:
• Must have been written while pursuing an undergraduate
degree. Papers written as an undergraduate may be submitted
until two years past the month of graduation.
• International submissions are accepted but all submissions
must be written in English.
• Must have a historical theme (includes anthropology, art
history, classics, economics, political science, etc.)
• Must be unpublished.
• Must employ primary sources.
• Must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, doublespaced,
and titled.
• Must be between 12 and 60 pages, not including endnotes.

Please submit all papers as e-mail attachments along with an
abstract no longer than 100 words in Microsoft Word document
format to foundations@jhu.edu. All papers are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the academic year and the summer.
Authors are kindly requested to provide the following data in
the body of the e-mail, not in the manuscript: name,
school attended, graduation year, and e-mail address.
Foundations is an international academic undergraduate
history journal published biannually. Visit http://
www.jhu.edu/foundations for more information

Teach for America 4th Deadline

2010-12-08T09:50:00.001-05:00

Teach For America’s 4th Application Deadline
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17TH

Only 50% of the 15.5 million children growing up in poverty will graduate from high school. Educational inequity limits the life prospects of millions of children. TEACH FOR being part of the solution.

Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates and professionals, from all majors, backgrounds, and career interests, who commit to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools and become lifelong leaders in expanding educational opportunity.

As a corps member, you will use your leadership skills and experience to make a significant impact on your students’ academic achievement. You will receive full salary and benefits as well as training and ongoing professional development to ensure you succeed in the classroom and beyond. And for the rest of your life, you’ll be part of a network of people working from every sector to ensure educational opportunity for all.

Teach For America’s next application deadline is Friday, December 17th. Apply now to join the fight to end educational inequity! You have until 11:59 p.m. EDT to submit your application.

If you have any questions, please contact Kendra-Lee Rosati, senior recruitment director with Teach For America, kendra-lee.rosati@teachforamerica.org

Attention Religious Studies Majors!

2010-12-08T09:43:00.001-05:00

Have you received any academic or community awards including scholarships during calendar year 2010? If so, please send me that information for inclusion in your personal file an for transmission to the Dean. i would appreciate hearing from you in the next ten days, that is by December 17.

Thanks and best wishes for the final exam period and for the winter holiday season.

Alex Orbach
orbach@pitt.edu

Educational Inequity Panel

2010-11-10T11:45:00.000-05:00

There are more than 15 million children growing up in poverty. Less than 50% will graduate from high school, and only 1 in 10 will graduate from college.

Join Teach For America for an Educational Inequity Panel to learn more about how you can have an impact on this massive injustice on Monday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. EST in the WPU Ballroom.

Date: Monday, November 15
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: WPU Ballroom

Featuring: 7 Teach For America alumni; one 2008 Pitt grad; two Pitt professors

This event is open to students of all years, academic majors and career interests, so please stop by and bring your friends. Food and drinks will be provided!

This Week's Global Studies Announcements

2010-11-08T09:39:00.003-05:00

GLOBAL STUDIES ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 15

ANNOUNCEMENTS
9th Annual Pittsburgh Federal Career Day Please join us on Tuesday, November 16 for the 9th Annual Pittsburgh Federal Career Day with over 60 federal, state and local government agencies represented. The event kicks off with a networking breakfast at 9 a.m. before the job fair opens from 11 a.m. â€“ 3 p.m.

This event will feature:

• Career Fair

• Keynote speaker

• Breakout workshops on the job search process

• Information sessions by select federal, state and city agencies

Where will Federal Career Day be held? Duquesne University, Student Union, 4th Floor Ballroom. Learn more about the University including a view of the campus map and driving directions. Who will attend? Government recruiters from federal, state and city agencies from across the U.S. and over 800 students and alumni from 50+ Tri-State colleges and universities. See Who's Coming: Check out the list of registered employers.

UNCF Special Programs Corporationâ€™s Institute for International Public Policy Fellowship Program The UNCF Special Programs Corporationâ€™s Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP) Fellowship Program is now entering its 17th year. The Institute seeks to enhance U.S. national security and global competitiveness by promoting excellence, international service, and awareness among a representative cross-section of the American citizenry.
The IIPP also seeks to broaden access to international education and training opportunities for underrepresented minority college students.

The IIPP Fellowship Program provides students from underrepresented minority groups with education and training experiences critical to entry and advancement in international affairs careers. Ours is a comprehensive program of summer policy institutes, study abroad, intensive language training, internships, graduate study, and student services that include mentoring and career development. Additionally, the Institute provides students with the education and training necessary to successfully enter, advance, and provide leadership in international affairs careers.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2011
Website: www.uncfsp.org/iipp

Critical Language Scholarship Program 2011 Application Now Open -
Deadline: November 15, 2010
The United States Department of State is pleased to announce the scholarship competition for the 2011 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program for overseas intensive summer language institutes in thirteen critical need foreign languages. CLS institutes provide fully-funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for seven to ten weeks for U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students.
Students may apply for one language, and will be placed at institute sites based on language evaluations after selection.
Interested applicants should review the full eligibility and application information on the CLS Program website at www.clscholarship.org Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Russian, and Japanese institutes have language prerequisites, described at http://www.clscholarship.org/applicants.htm#prerequisites.

Boren Scholarships/Fellowships

The applications for the 2011-2012 National Security Education Programs David L. Boren Scholarships for undergraduate students and Fellowships for graduate students are now available at www.borenawards.org. Boren Awards provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. students to study in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East, where they can add important international and language components to their educations.

Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 for an academic year's study abroad. Boren Fellowships provide up to $30,000 for language study and international research. The application deadline for the Boren Fellowship is February 1, and the deadline for the Boren Scholarship is February 10.

Please contact the Boren Awards staff at boren@iie.org or 1-800-618-NSEP with any questions.

UPCOMING GLOBAL STUDIES EVENTS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Film--Global Lens 2010: My Tehran For Sale 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Frick Fine Arts Auditorium

In this riveting, insider's perspective on life in Iran's capital city, Marzieh -a terminally ill actress-'wearily relates her desperate quest for political asylum through a series of interviews with an unsympathetic government official. Beginning with details of her doomed relationship with an Iranian-born Australian and their plan to relocate to Adelaide, she recounts her struggle to work as an actress under Iran's current regime, her hope for a future ultimately dashed by the devastating discovery of her illness, and her need to "escape" the only home she has ever known. Set against the backdrop of Tehran's thriving arts culture, and framed through a series of artful and dramatic flashback sequences, poet-turned-filmmaker Granaz Moussavi boldly registers the trials of a modern woman struggling to flourish in Iran's contemporary political climate. This film is in Farsi with English subtitles
Audience: Open to the public
Cost: Free
For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - dristas@pitt.edu
Sponsored by: Global Studies Center, Office of Cross Cultural and Leadership Development

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Film--Global Lens 2010: Shirley Adams
7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Frick Fine Arts Auditorium

In this deeply affecting portrait of ordinary courage in present-day South Africa, a single mother-Shirley Adams -struggles to care for her paraplegic teenage son, Donovan, in a depressed district on the outskirts of Cape Town. Wearied but resolute, she desperately clings to him as he withdraws from the world following a suicide attempt, and is hopeful when his spirits are momentarily lifted by the appearance of Tamsin, a pretty but overeager social worker. But when the relationship between Donovan and Tamsin sours, his fragile emotional health declines, and Shirley's faith and perseverance are put to the ultimate test. First-time director Oliver Hermanus's observant camera holds close to its subjects, capturing the claustrophobia, intimacy and hushed anguish surrounding the tender daily routines of a mother and her child. This film is in English and Afrikaans, with English subtitles
Audience: Open to the public
Cost: Free
For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - dristas@pitt.edu
Sponsored by: Global Studies Center, African Studies Program, Office of Cross Cultural and Leadership Development

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Film--Global Lens 2010: The Shaft (Dixia De Tiankong) 3:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
630 William Pitt Union

In a poor mining town in western China, the stories of a father and his two children intersect and intertwine, illuminating complicated relationships hidden beneath the community's hardened exterior. Accused of an affair with her manager, the attractive daughter of the household finds herself spurned by her boyfriend and forced to accept an arranged marriage. Her brother dreams of being a singer, but after an unforeseen stint in prison, reluctantly heads into the mines like his father, who spends his days searching for the wife who left him many years ago.
Writer-director Zhang Chi's wise and poetic debut delicately expresses the turmoil of emotion and expectation wrought by a calloused and difficult existence. This film is in Mandarin, with subtitles in English
Audience: Open to the public
Cost: Free
For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - dristas@pitt.edu
Sponsored by: Global Studies Center, Asian Studies Center, Office of Cross Cultural and Leadership Development INTERNATIONAL EVENTS FROM OUR UNIVERSITY AFFILIATES mHealth Summit: Meeting 21st Century Goals Through Mobile Technology Research & Innovation November 8-10, 2010 Washington, DC The 2010 mHealth Summit is the key opportunity for leaders in government, private sector/industry, academia and not-for-profit organizations to share information and experiences related to the intersection of mobile technology, health research, and policy. Keynote speakers include Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health; Ted Turner, chairman of the UN Foundation; and Tom Wheeler, chairman of the mHealth Alliance, Core Capital Partners.
Registration is required.
The early registration deadline is September 24.

Protection of Civilians: Critical Liabilities and Their Solutions, Alison Giffen, The Stimson Center, Washington DC Wed., November 10th, Noon - 1:30 pm Room 3911 Posvar Hall Ford Institute Speaker Series, www.fordinstitute.pitt.edu States, the UN and regional organizations face complex problems that undermine effective protection of civilians in war-torn societies.
Drawing on the latest research and
on her access to policymakers in the US government and the UN, Giffen will discuss current efforts to address deficits in guidance, doctrine and training. Giffen will illustrate her talk with examples from Sudan, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Alison Giffen is Deputy Director of the Stimson Center's Future of Peace Operations program, which is recognized as a leading center of research and advocacy on civilian protection in war-torn societies. Ms. Giffen has over a dozen years of experience monitoring and advocating on human rights and humanitarian crises in Sudan, Sierra Leone and Colombia. She received her MA in International Affairs from the School for International and Public Affairs at Columbia University and rceived her BA in Diplomacy and World Affairs from Occidental College.

"National Icon or Symbol of Islamic Iconoclasm?: A Brief History of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque", Mrinalini Rajagopalan Faculty Fellow in South Asian Studies, Yale University November 10, 2010 NOON, 2628 Cathedral of Learning On 15th November 2000 a small, angry mob gathered outside the compound of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi, India. Celebrated as a monument of national as well as international repute, the thirteenth-century mosque, which is constructed in large part from spolia from Hindu temples, receives thousands of domestic tourists and foreign visitors every day. On this November day, however, the protestors (representing right-wing Hindu nationalist parties) demanded access to the mosque to hold a religious ceremony that would liberate the Hindu idols used in the construction of the mosque by the original Muslim invaders. This presentation examines the complexities of a national icon that is regarded as a symbol of India's glorious past on the one hand, and is seen as the embodiment of the traumatic subjugation of an indigenous Hindu population at the hands of foreign invaders on the other.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Please visit this link to read more:
http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/otherevents.html

FELLOWSHIPS, GRANTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
Please visit this link to read more:
http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/otherfellowships.html

A&S Undergraduate Research Awards Summer 2011 Information Session

2010-10-27T08:52:00.000-04:00

The School of Arts and Sciences’

Office of Experiential Learning announces an

Undergraduate Research Award--Summer 2011

Information Session

Monday, November 1, 2010

5pm-5:50pm

704 Thackeray Hall

The School of Arts and Sciences’ Office of Undergraduate Studies is looking for applicants

to join a diverse community of undergraduate scholars and researchers from the humanities, natural sciences and

social sciences. Awardees receive $3,500 to support a summer term of independent research, scholarship

or creative endeavor.

Learn about what makes an award-worthy proposal, the application requirements, the application process,

expectations of awardees and the summer research experience.

Recommendations for Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows

2010-10-27T08:50:00.000-04:00

The Office of Experiential Learning is requesting faculty recommendations

of seniors in your department who would be outstanding candidates for

the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows Program,
2011-12.

Projects on which the 2011-2012 Junior Fellows will assist are:

Non-Proliferation Democracy/Rule of Law,

Middle East Studies Energy and Climate ,

Chinese Studies Russian/Eurasian Studies.

To be eligible, students must be seniors or have graduated within the last
academic year but have not yet started a graduate program

Students must have completed a significant amount of coursework in

Political Science International Affairs

Economics History

Russian, Chinese or Middle East studies

Language and other skills are required for certain assignments.

Students should have a high academic standing and have excellent writing
and research skills

This is a paid, full time position for approximately one year starting
August 1, 2011.

Information sessions for students interested in the

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows Program, 2011-12:

Mon., November 8, 2010 at 5pm, G36 Gardner Steel Conference Center

(inside the Academic Resource Center)

and

Wed., November 10, 2010 at 12noon, Thackeray Conference Room

(check in at 140 Thackeray with receptionist)

For information about the CEIP Junior Fellows program go to

http://www.as.pitt.edu/undergraduate/experience/ceip-fellows.html

2010 JET Program, Teach in Asia, & Peace Corps Information Session

2010-10-27T08:49:00.001-04:00

ASC is pleased to announce that we will be holding our annual *Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, Teach in Asia, and Peace Corps in Asia *information session next TUESDAY, November 2, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM in 125 Frick Fine Arts Building at the University of Pittsburgh. This session is free and open to the public, if you are interested in applying for one of these programs. Please feel free to forward this announcement to anyone interested in the Pittsburgh area. A schedule and map are below:

Are you interested in working in Asia? Planning what to do after graduation? Do you want to gain valuable international teaching and working experience? If your answer is "YES!," come learn more about Peace Corps volunteer work in Asia OR teaching in Japan as part of the JET (Japan Exchange & Teaching) Program, as well as opportunities in other parts of Asia! You'll meet past program representatives and will hear about their experiences, how to apply, what kinds of applicants each program is looking for, and you can ask whatever questions are on your mind! Free and open to the public. Current program applicants can bring questions, and those considering applying after graduation can come with general concerns and discussion!

*TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2*

4:30-7:00 PM in 125 Frick Fine Arts Building

University of Pittsburgh

/** Additional panelists are still being added/

*4:30-5:15 PM**-- Peace Corps in Asia and Peace Corps Master's Degree in Public Health information session***

Presenter: Jonnett Maurer, Recruiter, RPCV, Togo 2001 -- 2003

More info on Peace Corps: http://www.peacecorps.gov/

Peace Corps Masters Degree in Public Health at Pitt:
http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/interior.php?pageID=335

*5:15-5:30 PM -- Teach in Asia discussion -- Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam***

Presenters: Christina Unger, former teacher in South Korea, and Timothy Notari, former teacher in Japan

*5:30-7:00 PM -- Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program presentation &
discussion***

Presenter: Jennifer Murawski, Asian Studies Center

Panelists (former JET participants): Amy Boots, Blaine Connor, Jennifer Donehoo, Amiena Mahsoob, Teressa Martin-Wong, Smitha Prasadh, David Sheldon, Chris Tittle

More info on JET: http://www.jetprogramme.org/

For more information or directions, please contact Jennifer Murawski at jennm@pitt.edu .

*Jennifer Murawski*

Assistant Director of Educational Outreach, Asian Studies Center

4133 Wesley W. Posvar Hall

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA 15260

(p) 412-383-3062

(f) 412-624-4665

(w) www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc

Information Session

2010-10-25T12:49:00.002-04:00

HUMANITY IN ACTION FELLOWSHIP

Fellows travel to Denmark, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, or the U.S. in this competitive, intensive five-week summer fellowship with a focus on human rights and minority issues.

See http://www.humanityinaction.org
for more details.

SPEAKER: Judith Goldstein, Director of Humanity in Action

WHEN: Thursday, October 28, at 4:00pm
WHERE: 35th Floor Cathedral of Learning, Honors College

RSVP - Ross Reilly, UHC Program Manager, rreilly@pitt.edu, up until 1pm the day of the event.

HIA FELLOWSHIP ELIGIBILITY:
Sophomores, juniors, seniors and recent graduates (from 2009 and 2010) Open to non-U.S. citizens Students from ALL DISCIPLINES invited to apply Application Deadline: January 10, 2011.

Teach for America Deadline

2010-10-25T11:39:00.000-04:00

Teach For America’s 3rd Application Deadline, 10/27

Only 50% of the 15.5 million children growing up in poverty will graduate from high school. Educational inequity limits the life prospects of millions of children. TEACH FOR being part of the solution.

Teach For America's next application deadline is Wednesday, October 27.
Apply now to join the fight to end educational inequity! You have until
11:59 p.m. EDT to submit your application!

Teach For America is open to all academic majors and career interests. Our
corps members commit two years to teach in a low-income community in one of
our 39 regions. They also receive a competitive salary and comprehensive
health benefits. To learn more about our compensation package, attend our
online event on Tuesday, October 26 at 9:00 p.m. EDT. If you’re
interested, please RSVP here!

If you have any questions, please contact Kendra-Lee Rosati, senior
recruitment director with Teach For America,
kendra-lee.rosati@teachforamerica.org.

Global Studies Announcements for October 18, 2010

2010-10-18T12:45:00.002-04:00

India Today: Economics, Technology, and People
As global citizens, students need to have a working knowledge of other countries which are important in shaping the corporate, social and political world. As a rising state in the world economy, India's status in the business and in world affairs is shifting. This short course will explore how these three factors interact in India and in the perceived position of India as a world economy. Students in any department, pursuing any major are welcome to register for this course for 1 credit. The Pitt course numbers are: BIND 2400: CRN 38695 (graduate) and BUSECN 1505: CRN
38958 or ECON 1903: CRN 10198 (undergraduate). Seminar continues Friday, Oct. 22, Sat., October 23rd and Sun., October 24th. For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - 412-624-2918

UNCF Special Programs Corporation's Institute for International Public Policy Fellowship Program
The UNCF Special Programs Corporation's Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP) Fellowship Program is now entering its 17th year. The Institute seeks to enhance U.S. national security and global competitiveness by promoting excellence, international service, and awareness among a representative cross-section of the American citizenry.
The IIPP also seeks to broaden access to international education and training opportunities for underrepresented minority college students.
The IIPP Fellowship Program provides students from underrepresented minority groups with education and training experiences critical to entry and advancement in international affairs careers. Ours is a comprehensive program of summer policy institutes, study abroad, intensive language training, internships, graduate study, and student services that include mentoring and career development. Additionally, the Institute provides students with the education and training necessary to successfully enter, advance, and provide leadership in international affairs careers.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2011

Critical Language Scholarship Program 2011 Application Now Open -
Deadline: November 15, 2010
The United States Department of State is pleased to announce the scholarship competition for the 2011 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program for overseas intensive summer language institutes in thirteen critical need foreign languages. CLS institutes provide fully-funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for seven to ten weeks for U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students.
Students may apply for one language, and will be placed at institute sites based on language evaluations after selection.
Interested applicants should review the full eligibility and application information on the CLS Program website.

Boren Scholarships/Fellowships
The applications for the 2011-2012 National Security Education Program's David L. Boren Scholarships for undergraduate students and Fellowships for graduate students are now available at www.borenawards.org Boren Awards provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. students to study in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East, where they can add important international and language components to their educations.

Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 for an academic year's study abroad. Boren Fellowships provide up to $30,000 for language study and international research. The application deadline for the Boren Fellowship is February 1, and the deadline for the Boren Scholarship is February 10.

Please contact the Boren Awards staff at boren@iie.orgor 1-800-618-NSEP with any questions.

GLOBAL STUDIES EVENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 18

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19

Lecture--Global Issues Lecture Series: "Global Challenges to Sustainable Water Management"
6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
107 Barco Law School

Radisav Vidic, Ph.D., P.E.
William Kepler Whiteford Professor and Chair, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh
Audience: Open to the Public
For more information, contact Global Studies Center - 412-648-5085 global@pitt.edu Sponsored by: Global Studies Center, Global Solutions Education Fund

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22

Seminar--India Today: Economics, Technology, and People
5 p.m.-
100 Porter Hall, Carnegie Mellon campus

As global citizens, students need to have a working knowledge of other countries which are important in shaping the corporate, social and political world. As a rising state in the world economy, India's status in the business and in world affairs is shifting. This short course will explore how these three factors interact in India and in the perceived position of India as a world economy.
Students in any department, pursuing any major are welcome to register for this course for 1 credit. The Pitt course numbers are: BIND 2400 CRN 38695
(graduate) and BUSECN 1505 CRN 38958 (undergraduate. Seminar continues Saturday, October 23rd and Sunday, October 24th.
Audience: Open to the public
Cost: Free but must register
For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - 412-624-2918 dristas@pitt.eduSponsored by: Global Studies Center, International Business Center, Katz Graduate School of Business, Swanson School of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College, Office of the Provost, and Division of Student Affairs

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

Seminar--India Today: Economics, Technology, and People
8:30 a.m.- 6:45 p.m.
100 Porter Hall, Carnegie Mellon Campus

As global citizens, students need to have a working knowledge of other countries which are important in shaping the corporate, social and political world. As a rising state in the world economy, India's status in the business and in world affairs is shifting. This short course will explore how these three factors interact in India and in the perceived position of India as a world economy.
Students in any department, pursuing any major are welcome to register for this course for 1 credit. The Pitt course numbers are: BIND 2400 CRN 38695
(graduate) and BUSECN 1505 CRN 38958 (undergraduate. Seminar continues Saturday, October 23rd and Sunday, October 24th.
Audience: Open to the public
For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - 412-624-2918 Cost: Free but must register
Sponsored by: Global Studies Center, International Business Center, Katz Graduate School of Business, Swanson School of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College, Office of the Provost, and Division of Student Affairs

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24

Seminar--India Today: Economics, Technology, and People
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
100 Porter Hall, Carnegie Mellon campus

As global citizens, students need to have a working knowledge of other countries which are important in shaping the corporate, social and political world. As a rising state in the world economy, India's status in the business and in world affairs is shifting. This short course will explore how these three factors interact in India and in the perceived position of India as a world economy.
Students in any department, pursuing any major are welcome to register for this course for 1 credit. The Pitt course numbers are: BIND 2400 CRN 38695
(graduate) and BUSECN 1505 CRN 38958 (undergraduate. Seminar continues Saturday, October 23rd and Sunday, October 24th.
Audience: Open to the Public
Cost: Free but must register
For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - 412-624-2918 dristas@pitt.eduSponsored by: Global Studies Center, International Business Center, Katz Graduate School of Business, Swanson School of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College, Office of the Provost, and Division of Student Affairs

UPCOMING GLOBAL STUDIES EVENTS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26

Information Session--Peace Corps General Information Session
6 - 7 pm
837 William Pitt Union
Coming from all walks of life and representing the rich diversity of the American people, Volunteers range in age from college students to retirees. Every Peace Corps Volunteer's experience is different. From teaching English to elementary school children in Zambia to launching a computer learning center in Moldova to promoting HIV/AIDS awareness in South Africa to working on soil conservation in Panama, Volunteers bring their skills and life experiences to where they are needed most.
Peace Corps offers a way to refine and develop skills and gain international experience, while helping others. BusinessWeek consistently rates Peace Corps as one of the best places to launch a career. Come visit us on campus to hear about what it is like to serve overseas in the Peace Corps.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS FROM OUR UNIVERSITY AFFILIATES

Global Health and Underserved Populations Series
Topic: Critical Issues in Global Health
Speaker: Bernard Goldstein, MD
Monday, October 18, Noon-1:00 p.m.
Lecture Room 1, Scaife Hall, 4th Floor
Registration not required. Light lunch will be served. For additional information, contact Joyce Holl at hollj@upmc.edu or 412-692-4759. The series is co-sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Department of General Internal Medicine and Center for Global Health.

Global Health Film Series
"Addicted to Plastic"
Wednesday, October 20, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
A115 Crabtree Hall
What happens to all those plastic water bottles you carry around in your backpack? See this sobering documentary to find out. The filmmakers covered 12 countries and five continents in three years, including two trips to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where plastic debris accumulates.
Registration not required. Each program in the series includes the featured film, a post-film discussion, and light refreshments. For additional information contact Hilary Lenz at Hilary.Lenz@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Global Health Student Association and the Center for Global Health. This event is an approved INCIGHT co-curricular and Public Health Grand Rounds activity.

Global Health and Underserved Populations Series
Topic: TBD
Speaker: TBD
Monday, October 25, Noon-1:00 p.m.
LHAS Auditorium, 7th Floor Main, Montefiore University Hospital Registration not required. Light lunch will be served. For additional information, contact Joyce Holl at hollj@upmc.edu
or 412-692-4759. The series is co-sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Department of General Internal Medicine and Center for Global Health.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Please visit this link to read more:
http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/otherevents.html

FELLOWSHIPS, GRANTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
Please visit this link to read more:
http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/otherfellowships.html

2114 Registration Memo

2010-10-18T12:44:00.000-04:00

Good Morning:

Registration for spring term 2114 (January 2011) will commence on November 1, 2010. By this time, all students should have received from the Registrar's office the official day and time when they can access the registration screens and commence self-service registration. However, all students are obligated to meet with advisors prior to registration in order to lift the advising hold placed on their registration screen. For most of you, I am that person as I am filling in for Professor Clark Chilson in the Dept. of Religious Studies this fall.
Before I can lift your hold, I need to meet with you in order to review your proposed schedule of classes for spring. I need to be assured that you are aware of both remaining requirements for the major as well as for general education requirements and that you will be addressing those in the coming term. I have posted twenty-minute individual sessions starting this Thursday, October 21, on the wall next to my office (2606 CL) and I ask you to come by and claim a spot. I will be in the office from 1:00 --7:30 PM this Thursday for those ready to go this week. I (and not Ms. Walker the Departmental administrator) will lift the advising hold after our get together. To expedite our meeting, I ask you to come prepared to answer my questions posed above, that is, which of your courses addresses the sets of requirements that have to be filled prior to graduation.
I look forward to personalizing this relationship.

Sincerely,
Alexander Orbach

Post Graduate Study in London

2010-04-14T14:52:00.001-04:00

SCHOOL OF ADVANCED STUDY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
POSTGRADUATE FUNDING OPPORTUNITES IN THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
AVAILABLE FOR OCTOBER 2010 ENTRY

The School of Advanced Study at the University of London offers a number of funding opportunities across its range of postgraduate taught Master’s and research degree programmes (commencing October 2010) in subjects spanning the humanities and social sciences, including:

• American and Latin American studies
• Cultural studies
• English
• Globalisation
• History
• Human rights
• International development
• Law (taxation law, international corporate governance, financial regulation and economic law, and legislative studies)
• Modern languages (French, German, Hispanic and Italian)
• Politics and international relations

For the full list of Master’s degrees go to www.sas.ac.uk/maprogramme.html

The following funding options are available:

School of Advanced Studentships (deadline for applications Monday 26 April*)

· 2 x Master’s degree studentships
· 1 x research degree studentship

* Please note that your Institute of choice will have an earlier deadline for the receipt of course application forms. Please visit the Institute websites for details.

Arts and Humanities Research Council Studentships

· 2 x AHRC Research studentships in History (2) (deadline has now passed)
· 2 x Master's degree studentships in History (RPM) (deadline has now passed)
· 1 x Master's degree studentship in Law (Human Rights) (PPM) (deadline has
now passed)
· 1 x Collaborative Doctoral award at the IHR’s Centre for Contemporary British History with the Rothschild Archive (deadline Monday 26 April 2010)

Bursaries and studentships offered by the Institutes of the School:
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
Institute of Classical Studies
Institute of Commonwealth Studies
Institute of English Studies
Institute of Germanic & Romance Studies
Institute of Historical Research
Institute of Musical Research
Institute of Philosophy
Institute for the Study of the Americas
Warburg Institute

For more details, please visit www.sas.ac.uk/funding.html Or contact Registry by emailing sas.registry@sas.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)20 7862 8662 or 8661

The School of Advanced Study, University of London, unites ten prestigious research institutes to form the UK’s national centre for the facilitation and promotion of research in the humanities and social sciences.

For Those Interested in Studying Global Health

2010-03-01T12:38:00.000-05:00

Information Session--Pitt MAP 2011 Information Session
5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
802 William Pitt Union

Are you interested in studying global health from a variety of
perspectives in three cultures? If so, consider Pitt MAP. Pitt MAP is an
interdisciplinary, thematically driven study abroad program in which
30 students and 3 Pitt faculty travel and learn together for a term.
Spring 2011's theme is Global Health. The cohort will spend spring
semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cape Town, South Africa and Beijing,
China. Coursework and site visits will consider the theory and practice of
medicine and health care through several lenses- clinical, political,
economic, rhetorical and socio-cultural. You do not need to be a
pre-health student to apply, but it would be a wonderful introduction
to the theory and practice of trans-national health care for those who are
interested in international development or who want to pursue post-college
careers in the health sciences.

Students on Pitt MAP earn 12 to 15 credits that can be used for a variety
of majors and certificates. Students can use their Pitt financial aid
towards the program cost and additional study abroad scholarships are
available as well. Want to learn more about Pitt MAP? Attend the upcoming
information session: For more information, contact Vanessa Sterling -
412-624-2033
vmsst4@pitt.edu

Grant Opportunities

2010-03-01T12:36:00.000-05:00

Student Grant Opportunity - International Studies Fund Competition
UCIS announces the 2010 International Studies Fund (ISF) Competition. This
grant program is intended to help students at the University of Pittsburgh
to conduct research on international issues or in international settings.
Full time Pitt graduate and undergraduate students, from all schools and
campuses, are eligible to submit a proposal. The maximum grant amount is
$1,000; the application deadline is March 15. Additional information
available at:
www.ucis.pitt.edu/main/isf.html .

Student Grant Opportunity - Newman Award
UCIS announces the Newman Award for International Intergenerational
Project Initiatives. This award is intended to partially support the
expenses of international travel incurred by University of Pittsburgh
undergraduate and graduate students involved in an academic project with
an international intergenerational component. Applications accepted
through March 26, 2010, for summer and fall 2010
projects. Info and application form at:
http://www.ucis.pitt.ed/main/newman.html

Three Opportunities for Graduate Study in Jewish Studies in England or Israel

2010-02-26T07:23:00.002-05:00

Warning: Long Posting.

The summary:

University of Southhampton for modern Jewish history.
Brasenose College, Oxford, for early modern or modern Jewish history.
3 universities in Israel, for ancient Jewish history.

If you are interested in pursuing graduate study in Jewish studies (in one of these programs or somewhere else), please feel free to come speak to me (Adam Shear, ex-DUS).

Archival Research Studentship. Parkes Institute for the Study of Jewish/Non-Jewish Relations, University of Southampton
The University of Southampton annually offers a three-year postgraduate studentship for research leading to the degree of M.Phil. or Ph.D. in any field for which its major archival and special research collections holdings are of importance and appropriate supervision is available.
The archival holdings in question comprise the papers of the first Duke of Wellington; the third Viscount Palmerston; and Earl Mountbatten of Burma; with their related deposits, and the archival resources of the Parkes Library, which include the Anglo-Jewish archive, the Parkes papers, the papers of the Council of Christians and Jews, the papers of the Institute of Jewish Affairs, and the Jewish Chronicle. In addition there are significant Music collections, particularly of historical recordings.
The studentship is tenable for a maximum of three years at an annual stipend of around £12,000. The University will waive postgraduate tuition fees at the UK/EU rate, and there will be an allowance of up to £600 p.a. for research travel and expenses. Overseas applicants are also encouraged to apply for an ORS award to meet the difference between UK/EU and Overseas fees levels. (www.soton.ac.uk/international/scholarships/index.html )
Applicants would ordinarily possess at least a good second-class honours degree or its equivalent in an appropriate subject (normally History, Politics, Music, Sociology or a related discipline) and have undertaken or be currently undertaking a Masters degree in a relevant subject.
Before submitting an application, it is advisable to ascertain that the proposed topic of research is suitable and that supervision can be provided, by writing to the postgraduate co-ordinator of the relevant department.
How to apply for the archive studentship
The competition is open only to candidates who are currently applying for (or who already hold) a place on the MPhil/PhD programme at the University of Southampton. The final deadline for applications is 5 March 2010. Interviews for the studentship may be held in April. Successful candidates will be informed of the outcome in August. Candidates will be ranked according to both their research potential and the centrality of the University's archival and special research holdings to their research project. Candidates are required to apply for all other suitable sources of funding for which they are eligible, most obviously AHRC doctoral awards and ESRC `+3 studentships'. Studentships are initially awarded for one year; renewal for a second and third year is conditional on evidence of academic progress. The studentship will normally not be renewed once the holder has exceeded three years full-time registration (or equivalent). Successful applicants are reminded that it is a condition of the award that they continue to submit applications (where eligible) for AHRC/ESRC research studentships of similar value.
All applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with discipline research co-ordinators and supervisors prior to application.
Please direct any inquiries, or send completed applications to:
History PGR Co-ordinator
School of Humanities
The University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton SO17 1BJ
UK
More information available at: http://www.soton.ac.uk/history/postgrad/archivalstudentship.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albert and Rachel Lehmann
Graduate Studentship in Jewish History and Culture
in association with Brasenose College
If a suitable candidate presents him or herself, an election will be made to the Lehmann Studentship in Jewish History and Culture with effect from 1 October 2010.
The studentship comprises the equivalent of the university and college fee for up to three years (at either the UK/EU or overseas rate) and a maintenance grant of approximately £13,000 per annum. The award is tenable for one year in the first instance, renewable for up to a maximum of two further years subject to receipt of a satisfactory report from the supervisor. The award will be under the auspices of the Oxford University Hebrew and Jewish Studies Unit. The award is intended for any postgraduate student pursuing doctoral research in early modern or modern western/central European Jewish history and /or culture. Candidates must have obtained at least an upper second class degree or its equivalent in a relevant field of study. Enquiries regarding eligibility to apply may be addressed to Dr Joanna Weinberg, e-mail joanna.weinberg@orinst.ox.ac.uk.
Preferential consideration for accommodation at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies at Yarnton Manor will be given to the successful candidate. (See http://www.ochjs.ac.uk)
Applications must include: (a) the course and faculty to which the candidate has applied for postgraduate study; (b) a brief statement of the academic career, including attainments and qualifications; (c) a brief statement of research interests; (d) the names of two referees (please see below); and (e) a statement of any other emoluments held or being applied for by the candidate.
All applications will be considered on their merits by a panel of representatives from the Hebrew and Jewish Studies Unit in the Faculty of Oriental Studies and Brasenose College.
Applications should be received by Charlotte Vinnicombe of the Unit for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, The Oriental Institute, Pusey Lane, Oxford OX1 2LE, e-mail orient@orinst.ox.ac.uk no later than 12th March 2010. Applicants should ask their referees to supply confidential references by the same date.
A separate application to the University for a place for doctoral study is required, and the award would be subject to an offer of a place from Brasenose College. Please see www.admin.ox.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jewish Culture in the Ancient World
Call for Candidates: PhD and postdoctoral students

A new research program on "Jewish Culture in the Ancient World" has been founded by the Humanities Fund, Yad Hanadiv and the Israel Council of Higher Education. The program Studies will run for three years at Haifa, Tel-Aviv and Bar-Ilan Universities, starting October 2010.

Students who join the program will be enrolled in one of the three universities and directly supervised by one of the program members, but will also have the unique opportunity to benefit from the knowledge and mentorship of the other participants, coming from a variety of related fields. The students will also take part in program seminars and workshops that will acquaint them with current trends in the study of ancient Jewish culture and ancient history in general. The program will hold a workshop every year with the participation of leading scholars from abroad. Students will be encouraged to study ancient languages and adopt comparative issues as their dissertation topics. Seminars will be conducted in English, but the students are expected to master the Hebrew language in sufficient level to undertake their university courses in Hebrew.

The program offers scholarships (60,000 NIS per year, over three years) for three PhD students, one at each university. Scholarships will also be given to a limited number of potential MA and postdoctoral students, who are encouraged to apply. The program's main focus, however, is on PhD-level research. Students who join the program will be expected to finish their PhD by the end of the three year period of scholarship or soon thereafter.

Program members: Prof. Albert Baumgarten (Bar-Ilan), Dr. Jonathan Ben-Dov (Haifa), Prof. Gideon Bohak (Tel-Aviv), Dr. Sylvie Honigman (Tel-Aviv), Prof. Aryeh Kofsky (Haifa), Dr. Hillel Newman (Haifa), Prof. Adiel Schremer (Bar-Ilan)

Closing date
The closing date for sending applications is 15 April 2010. Admissions will be announced by 13 May 2010.

For further information on the programme and how to apply, please visit the following website: http://judaismandantiquity.haifa.ac.il
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Performance by Rabbi Alysa Stanton

2010-02-24T16:42:00.002-05:00

Rabbi Stanton is America's first African American, female Rabbi. Learn about her life, the challences she has faced and how she overcame them to become a successful spiritual and motivational leader.

Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: William Pitt Union Ballroom

Nonprofit Career Fair

2010-02-22T14:32:00.001-05:00

The message below is from Jillian Lucas in Career Services:

.ORG a Nonprofit Career Fair!

Are you looking for a job or internship in the non profit sector? If so, this is the event for you! Job seekers can distribute resumes and speak with organizational representatives about current and future employment and internship opportunities in the nonprofit sector.

Organizations that are coming: http://pfcd.experience.com/stu/cf_details?fhnd=4260

Thursday, February 25, 2010

11am-3pm

Duquesne University: Student Union

There is no admission fee for job-seekers. Pre-registration is not required but is preferred. Please register at FutureLinks via your Pitt portal.

Transportation: Port Authority buses

To Downtown- pick up at Forbes and Atwood. Any 61, 71, or 500.

From Downtown- pick up at Forbes and McAntulty. Any 61, 71, or 500.

Jillian Lucas, M.A., NCC

Career Consultant

224 William Pitt Union

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA 15260

412-648-7130

www.careers.pitt.edu

Career Fair

2010-02-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

This Message is from the Office of Student Employment and Placement Assistance:

On behalf of the Office of Student Employment and Placement Assistance (SEPA), we thank you for your support and assistance promoting beneficial events that prepare our students for internships and careers. We are requesting your assistance one last time this semester promoting the rescheduled University of Pittsburgh Spring 2010 Career Fair this coming Monday March 1 and Tuesday, March 2.

March 1 will be for students with a technical background including engineering, computer, and information sciences. March 2 will be for students with a nontechnical backgrounds including business, arts, sciences, and health sciences. The vast majority of our employers have agreed to attend the rescheduled dates and are very eager to meet with Pitt students.

Please feel free to contact our office for marketing materials and/or more information about the career fair....Thank you once again for all your support this academic year with our events, including Career Kickoffs and Career Fairs.

Best,

Monica Varela

Special Events and Marketing Coordinator l University of Pittsburgh l Office of Student Employment and Placement Assistance

Phone: 412-648-7135 l Email: moc7@pitt.edu l 200 William Pitt Union l Pittsburgh, PA 15260 l

University of Pittsburgh Spring 2010 Career Fair March 1 (Technical Day) and March 2 (Non-Technical Day)

Fan "University of Pittsburgh SEPA" on Facebook

Follow Pitt SEPA through Twitter: http://twitter.com/PittSEPA

Advising Sessions for All Religious Studies Majors

2010-02-16T19:15:00.000-05:00

Group advising sessions for all Religious Studies majors will be held in the Cathedral of Learning room 2628 at the following times:

February 22 (Monday): 12:00 to 1:00
February 23 (Tuesday): 2:30 to 3:30
February 24 (Wednesday): 12:00 to 1:00

Please fill out a checklist for majors in advance and bring it with you to one of the above advising sessions. The checklist is available online at http://www.religiousstudies.pitt.edu/undergraduate/checklists.php

If you do not remember the exact course number or your grade while completing the form, please look it up in your degree progress report online.

So you can start registering for classes as soon as your self-enrollment window opens, I will remove the advising hold for everyone who submits a completed checklist at a group session.

If for some reason you cannot attend any of the above sessions or would like to meet with me individually after attending one of the advising sessions, I will put a sign-up sheet next to my office door (CL 2610) after 1 March so you can schedule an appointment.

At the advising session, you will be able to see the courses being offered in the 2010 fall term (2111). You will also be able to discuss classes with other majors and to learn from each other.

You may just show up to any session, but so I will know approximately how many people will attend each session, please send me an email message with just the day you plan to attend on the subject line.

Finally, because religious studies is a nurturing department, I will provide some light snacks.

I look forward to seeing you. ---Clark Chilson

Undergraduate Research

2010-02-16T19:11:00.001-05:00

The University of Pittsburgh will select 3 undergraduate students to participate in
Undergraduate Research at the Capitol, a poster conference in Harrisburg, PA,
on Tuesday, 23 March 2010. All expenses will be covered for the 3 Pitt students chosen to
participate. All participants are from universities and colleges in the Commonwealth.

Date: Tuesday, 23 March 2010
(This will be a day trip only, leaving Pittsburgh about 5am and returning by 9pm.)
Location: East Wing Rotunda, Capitol Building, Harrisburg
Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Activities: Poster Session, Recognition in the House Chamber, Meetings with
Legislators from your home or institution district.
Poster Size: 4-feet wide by 3-feet tall; a template will be provided.

To be considered for participation, submit the requested information in a MS-Word file to Dr.
Lisa Miller (ugr@pitt.edu) by Tuesday, 2 March 2010, 5:00pm.

Students selected will be notified on Wednesday, 3 March, 2010, and will work with Dr. Miller
to revise (if necessary) their materials for submission to the conference by Friday, 5 March
2010.

Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Miller immediately, even if their abstract
and contact information are not yet prepared, to let her know the information will soon follow.

REQUIRED SUBMISSION INFORMATION AND FORMAT
Abstract Format
Title (All CAPITAL letters, no italics except for foreign words):
Name of Student Author(s):
Name of Faculty Author(s):
Name of Faculty Advisor/Mentor(s):
Institution:
Department:
Research Sponsor (if different from Institution):
Abstract (150-200 words, all in sentences, no bold or underline, no
references, no italics except for foreign words):

Student Authors
Name:
Institution Name:
(repeat above two lines as necessary)

Faculty Authors
Name:
Phone:
Email Address:
(repeat above three lines as necessary)
Faculty Advisor/Mentor(s):
Name:
Phone:
Email Address:

Contact Information
(for each student attending)
Name:
Phone:
Email Address:
Permanent Address (including zip code):
Campus Mailing Address:
Academic Major:
Year of Study:
Special Needs:
Institution Name:

(If appropriate, leave sections blank.)

A Message from School of A&S about Summer Sessions

2010-02-15T11:55:00.003-05:00

Catch up. Stay on track. Or, graduate early—it’s all within your reach when you register for summer sessions 2010. Whether you’re finishing your first term at Pitt or looking forward to graduation, summer sessions provide a unique opportunity to catch up on needed credits, stay on track to graduate in four years, or get ahead of schedule. With more than 500 course offerings, summer sessions classes help you reach your educational goals no matter where you are in your academic career. Summer sessions also provide a wonderful opportunity to sign up for internships and research projects.

· Seniors: complete those final general education or major requirements you need to graduate during flexible day and evening hours.

· Juniors: concentrate on a wide variety of upper division courses in your major throughout the 4-, 6-, 12-week, or full term sessions that fit around your summer job, internship, or family vacation.

· Sophomores: finish prerequisite classes or explore subjects in your major.

· Freshmen: explore a special area of interest while fulfilling core requirements without the pressure of a full class load.

New This Year - Special Tuition Assistance Awards!The School of Arts and Sciences will offer up to 200 $100 special tuition assistance awards for qualified Arts and Sciences undergraduate students who register for 12 or more credits during summer sessions. Visit www.summer.pitt.edu for guideline information.

On Campus Housing On campus housing is available in Litchfield Towers C for all undergraduate students taking summer courses at the University of Pittsburgh. For more information, and to complete a housing application and contract, please visit Panther Central or download the Housing information packet (PDF), Housing application (PDF) and Housing contract (PDF)

Summer sessions 2010 registration opens on February 22. Find out more at www.summer.pitt.edu.

Pitt in China Information Session

2010-02-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

Information Session--Pitt in China
4:00p.m.- Monday, February 22 12:00p.m.
Study Abroad Office - 802 WPU

Want to spend six weeks this summer in an exciting metropolis in the heart of China--with no previous Chinese language study required?

Come to an information session to learn about one of our most popular programs year after year: Pitt in China!

Information sessions will be held at the following times:

Thursday, 18 February @ 4:00pm
Friday, 19 February @ 3:00pm
Monday, 22 February @ 11:00am

All three sessions will be held at the Study Abroad Office, 802 WPU. No sign-up is required, so feel free to simply show up at any session.

REMEMBER: It's not too late to apply for summer 2010! The application deadline is 5 March 2010.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=318806112600#
Audience: Undergraduate students
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: Asian Studies Center, Study Abroad Office
For more information, contact Ben Pilcher - 412-383-7165 bjp10@pitt.edu

Buddhism in China Program

2010-02-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

*2nd Annual Buddhism in China Program: **2010 **Huayan Buddhism and Mount
Wutai and the Datong Grottos*

July 1 through July 22, 2010

Application deadline: April 30, 2010

30 Participants

Sponsored by the Woodenfish Project and in collaboration with faculty
of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, the Buddhism in
China program offers graduate students the opportunity for direct and
intensive engagement with important historical centers of East Asian
Buddhism in Jiangsu, Beijing, and Shanxi, including Mount Wutai and
the Datong grottos. Through regular seminars conducted by scholars of
East Asian Buddhism specializing in the field of Huayan Buddhism and
guided tours of temples, archeological sites, and other historical
locations, participants will study the history and culture of Buddhism
in China. Special attention will also be given to introducing
participants to potential sources and avenues for research and to
promoting interaction with Chinese scholars.

Eligible applicants will be graduate students currently enrolled in MA
or PhD programs in Western universities who have primary research
interests in Chinese Buddhism or related fields (e.g., Buddhism in
other Asian nations, other Chinese religious traditions, Asian
philosophy, Buddhist art history, Chinese history, etc.). Faculty are
also welcome and encouraged to participate. While proficiency in
spoken and written Chinese is desirable, it is not a necessary
condition for eligibility for participation in the program. Seminars
and site introductions will be given in Mandarin Chinese and
interpreted into English by bilingual scholars, thus allowing full
accessibility for all participants regardless of language
background. For participants with proficiency in Mandarin, the program
is also designed to provide opportunity for language exercise in
sustained academic interaction with Chinese scholars and graduate
students.

Housing, meals, (breakfast and lunch – participants will be free for
dinner arrangements), bus transportation, and tuition within China are
funded by a scholarship from the Woodenfish Project in association
with Foguang Shan and will be provided to participants for the
duration of the program. Participants, both the graduates students
and the faculty, are responsible for their own international airfare
and domestic train travel within China.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with admission
determined within one or two weeks after submission of
application. Applications will be accepted until the final deadline of
April 30, 2010. However, as only 30 individuals (including both
students and faculty) will be admitted to the 2010 program, applicants
are highly encouraged to apply early in order to improve the
likelihood of their admission.

For further information and application form, please visit
http://www.woodenfish.org/china/2010

Student inquiries and applications may be sent by e-mail to Geoffrey
Goble, program coordinator, at buddhisminchina@gmail.com

Women's Association of Pitt Scholarship

2010-02-10T13:38:00.001-05:00

Women's Association of Pitt continues to offer
scholarships of up to $3,000.00 for students with a sophomore or more
standing, QPA of 2.5 or better and have had an interruption of at least 3
years in their college education. Applications are due March 15, 2010.

For more details, please write to the Women's Association
Scholarship Chair, Jackie Cain (cainjackie@gmail.com )

Summer Internship Opportunity in Warsaw, Poland

2010-02-09T12:18:00.000-05:00

2010 CIVITAS SUMMER PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN WARSAW, POLAND (June
1 - July 31, 2010) in ENGLISH.

The summer internship program is organized by Collegium Civitas in Warsaw,
Poland includes 25-30 hours of internship per week, academic and internship
seminar and a Polish language course.

INTERNSHIPS (IN ENGLISH)
The program offers a unique opportunity for a limited number of students to
undertake full-time summer professional internships in various public and
non-profit organizations in Warsaw, Poland that focus, among others, on:

- Jewish history, Arts, & Culture,

- Human Rights, Migration, Refugees,

- European Integration, International Politics, Diplomacy

- Government, Legal and Constitutional Affairs

- Media, Media Advertising, Journalism

- Civil Society and Local Community Development, Civic Education,

- Public health, humanitarianism

- Economics, Business, Finance

- Quantitative Research and Statistics

- Environment

APPLICATION
Graduate and undergraduate students can apply. Civitas summer internship
program has a rolling admission and interested applicants are invited to
submit their applications to the program anytime until April 10, 2010.
Application forms and requested documents.

CONTACT
Inquiries about the program can be directed to Olena Tregub, Executive
Director, Global Educational Leadership, at
contact@globaleducationleadership.org or tel. 646 670 6089. For more
information about the program, application form and costs click here

Opportunities to Study Tibetan Culture and Buddhism

2010-02-06T16:09:00.003-05:00

*Tibetan Studies in Amdo*
Alabama in the Himalayas with Jonang Foundation: Tibetan History and Cultural Studies in China

A Collaborative Educational Program of the University of Alabama and Jonang Foundation

In the Amdo Region of Eastern Tibet, Sichuan Province, P.R.C.

June 03-26, 2010

*Program website:

The Program:
The program, Alabama in the Himalayas with Jonang Foundation: Tibetan History and Cultural Studies in China, is designed to take undergraduate (B.A.) and graduate (M.A./Ph.D.) students to the Amdo cultural domain of far eastern Tibet [Sichuan Province, P.R.C.]. In addition to the rigorous academic study program, students will engage in cultural heritage site documentation and carry out field research in a fascinating region of the Tibetan world.

Courses:
The program consists of 2 courses for a total of 6 academic credits [transferable to any college or university]: (1) a lecture series by faculty and guest lecturers at monasteries and select places of importance on Tibetan history, religious thought and practice, and culture; and (2) a group multimedia field research project at designated sites, digitally documenting Tibetan sacred space and cultural practices.

Courses are:

(1) "Tibetan History, Culture, Religion" [3 credits]
(2) "Documenting Tibetan Sacred Space" [3 credits]

Faculty:
Amy Holmes-Tagchungdarpa, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor in the Department of History at the University of Alabama. She has travelled and lived in different parts of Asia for over 10 years, and speaks Chinese and Tibetan.

Lama Kalzang Dorjee Bhutia is an Instructor at the University of Alabama. He completed graduate studies in Buddhist studies and philosophy, history and law at the University of Delhi, India. Lama Kalzang is originally from Sikkim, a Tibetan cultural area in the Indian Himalayas, where he was raised in a Buddhist family lineage. He speaks several dialects of Tibetan.

Michael R. Sheehy, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Jonang Foundation and Senior Editor at the Tibetan Buddhist Resource Center in the city of New York. He lived in a Buddhist monastery in Amdo for 3 years where he studied with Tibetan Buddhist masters. He teaches courses on Tibetan religion, Himalayan visual culture, and Buddhist philosophy at The New School. He is fluent in Amdo dialects of Tibetan.

Application & Costs:
Spaces are limited to 12 students so applicants are encouraged to apply early. If space remains available, late applications will be considered.

The total cost of the program is: $3,900.00. Please contact us about making progressive payments based on availability and timing. Cost does not include international airfare.

Contact:
For all general inquiries about the program, contact the faculty, Program Coordinator Michael Sheehy [michael@jonangpa.com] or Program Director Amy Holmes-Tagchungdarpa [aholmes12@bama.ua.edu].

For specific logistical information regarding travel arrangements, contact Angela Channell [angela.channell@ua.edu or call (205) 348-5256], Director of Overseas Study, Capstone International Academic Programs, University of Alabama.

***See the program webpage for course descriptions, program itinerary, application instructions, cost breakdowns, and payment schedule. [http://www.jonangfoundation.org/node/1506]

Emory University's summer study abroad program in Dharamsala, "Tibetan Mind/Body Sciences."

This program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to join the
emerging dialogue between the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of the inner
science of the mind and the modern scientific tradition of the study
of the external world. Participants on this program engage in an
exciting experiment in cross-cultural collaboration that has the
potential to lead to breakthroughs in a variety of fields. Students
will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers in
the western and Tibetan traditions, while actively engaging in
dialogue with Tibetan monks and nuns who will be studying
neuroscience, biology, and physics in the month-long Emory-Tibet
Science Initiative. Students receive credit for two courses: "Mind,
Body and Medicine" and "Culture of Buddhist Tibet."

The program takes place in Dharamsala, the heard of the Tibetan exile
community in India. No prior knowledge of Tibetan is required.

Program Information and Details:

http://abroad.emory.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=3DPrograms.ViewProgram&Progra=
m_ID=3D1443&Type=3DO&sType=3DO

A Video on the Program can be viewed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Dzwlynlsp-R4

More information on the Emory-Tibet Partnership can be found at:
http://www.tibet.emory.edu

Opportunity to Study at Taiwanese Monastery

2010-02-05T10:53:00.002-05:00

From Dr. Yifa:

It is my pleasure to announce the Woodenfish Project’s 9th year of the
Humanistic Buddhist Monastic Life Program (HBMLP). Over the past eight
years, the Woodenfish Project has offered undergraduate and graduate
students the rare opportunity to extend their learning beyond the
classroom, by experiencing monastic life at Fo Guang Shan monastery in Taiwan.

Since 2002, I have watched this program evolve and become a central
element of maturation for all of the participants. Dozens of Woodenfish alumni
have continued on to pursue graduate studies in related fields. It has truly been
a life changing experience for us all. In order to continue the
success of this program, please extend this rare opportunity to your students by
advertising this year’s program at your college or university. Those
with an emphasis in the fields of Buddhism and Chinese culture or language are
strongly encouraged to apply.

This year’s year program will consist of *100 participants* and there
will be rolling admissions process, with a final application deadline of
April 15, 2010. Please direct interested students to our website,
, to find detailed information.
[Further information also given below.]

Warm Regards,

Venerable Dr. Yifa (Ph.D. from Yale)
Founder, Woodenfish Project
yifa@uwest.edu

New SE Asia Comparative Program

2010-01-29T15:27:00.001-05:00

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN), in collaboration with Payap University, is pleased to announce a new semester program for Fall 2010 in Thailand and Cambodia. Offered through The Thai and Southeast Asian Studies Program at Payap University (Chiang Mai, Thailand), this South East Asia Comparative
(SEACS) Program will spend two months in Thailand and two months in Cambodia through a partnership with the University of Cambodia. Southeast Asia is one of the world's most diverse regions in the world culturally, ethnically, religiously, and linguistically. This program offers students the unique opportunity to explore Thailand and Cambodia from both historical and contemporary standpoints.

The program is a 16 credit experience. All instruction is provided by Payap University Faculty/Professors in Chiang Mai, Thailand and courses will be co-taught in Cambodia by University of Cambodia and Payap University professors. Final grades will appear on a Payap University transcript.

The first two months of the course are spent in Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Thailand. Students will enroll in "Buddhism and Thai Society,"
"Sustainable Development, Environmental Justice, and Ethnic Minorities," and "Thai Language." During this time, students will have the unique opportunity to volunteer teach novice monks English or spend time at a local orphanage.
Students will also enjoy many opportunities for cultural integration on the campus of Payap University.

The group will head to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, for four weeks to continue studies. In Phnom Penh, students will study at the University of Cambodia and enroll in "Contemporary Cambodia: History and Society" and "Khmer Language." This portion of the semester focuses on Cambodia's recent history, including a focus on the Khmer Rouge. The final three weeks of the program are spent in Siem Reap, gateway to the remarkable ruins of Angkor Wat. While enrolled in "Hinduism and Khmer Civilization," students have the opportunity to explore the sprawling Angkor complex.

In Cambodia, the group will travel together and will be accompanied by University of Cambodia and Payap University professors, as well as a staff member from Payap University.

Each location involves a number of off-campus excursions and experiences.
Students live on-campus at Payap University and will live in off-campus apartments while in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Program Dates:
August 13, 2010 - December 11, 2010

For Fall 2010 the Program Fee is USD$10,400. But, to celebrate our 15th year of serving the international education community, The Education Abroad Network is offering USD$1,500 grants to all Fall 2010 participants on this program so the total cost is USD$8,900. This fee includes all accommodation, airport transfers, arrival orientation, all program-required ground transportation, academic credit, various excursions and tours, entrance fees to National Parks, cultural centers, etc. and 10 meals per week while Thailand. Students will incur additional costs for international airfare, personal spending, additional meals in Thailand, all meals within Cambodia and extra travel.

For further information visit our website
http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/?id=223

Scholarships

2010-01-25T12:43:00.001-05:00

Pitt Alumni Association seeks applications for two graduate students awards:

Pitt Alumni Association Graduate Scholarship - $5,000

Minno Student Resource Award - $1,500.

Awards will be applied directly to the recipient’s tuition account for Fall ‘10. Each is a one-time, merit-based award, open to both continuing students and those just entering graduate study in any of the University’s schools or colleges. Additionally, in order to be eligible to receive this scholarship, the student must have received his/her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Completed application and supporting material must be returned to the Alumni Center, Suite 140, Alumni Hall, no later than February 12 2010. Questions regarding either award should be directed to Laraine Hlatky at hlaraine@ia.pitt.edu or by calling 412-624-5589.

MORE ON: Pitt Alumni Association Graduate Student Tuition Scholarship
This $5,000 scholarship is a one-time, merit based award open to both continuing grad students and those just entering graduate study in any of the University’s schools or colleges. The student must have received an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh; have a minimum 3.5 GPA (undergraduate and graduate); and submit a statement of personal and professional goals, three letters of recommendation (one from the department chair or dean), a resume (not to exceed two pages) and transcript of undergraduate work and any graduate courses to date (if applicable). Applications are available in room 140 Thackeray Hall. For more information contact Laraine Hlatky at Laraine.Hlatky@ia.pitt.edu or 412-624-5589.

Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan
http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/scholarships.html

The Association of Teachers of Japanese Bridging Project offers scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. Funding from private foundations and major U.S. corporations has made it possible for ATJ to award 60-100 scholarships annually to assist students with the travel and living expenses they will incur while studying abroad in Japan for a semester or an academic year.

Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be enrolled as undergraduates in a college or university in the United States before and during the time they are studying abroad.

Bridging Scholarship recipients receive a stipend of $2,500 (for students on semester-long programs) or $4,000 (for students on academic year programs). Students studying in Japan on summer programs are not eligible to apply.

Beginning in 2010, applications for Bridging Scholarships will be accepted once a year. Applications will next be accepted from students studying in Japan during academic year 2010-2011; the deadline for receipt of applications will be April 6, 2010.

Scholarship from Pitt's Women's Association

2010-01-25T12:38:00.001-05:00

The University of Pittsburgh Women's Association is offering scholarships
of up to $3,000.00 for undergraduate students male or female on the
Oakland Campus.

Applicants must have at least a 2.5 QPA, are a sophomore, junior or senior
and have had an interruption of at least 3 years in their education.

Applications are due March 15th.

Contact: Jackie Cain, Women's Association Scholarship Chair

mailto:cainjackie@gmail.com
cainjackie@gmail.com

412 963-0518

Japanese Religion and Culture Study Abroad Seminar

2010-01-22T16:12:00.003-05:00

The following from Western Michigan University will be of interest to those of you who want to study in Japan.

Japanese Religion and Culture Study Abroad Seminar Location:
Japan Summer Program Deadline: 2010-02-15
Date Submitted: 2010-01-18
Announcement ID: 173364

Western Michigan Universitys Department of Comparative Religion in cooperation with Taisho University in Tokyo has developed a unique summer study abroad program. The Japanese Religion and Culture Study Abroad Seminar (now in its fourth year) is open to students outside of WMU. It is focused on undergraduates but graduate students are welcome to attend. A description of the program together with student comments follows. If you or one of your students is interested in applying, please e-mail Dr. Stephen Covell (s.covell@wmich.edu) or Eri Nishiyama (eri.nishiyama@wmich.edu) as soon as possible. The application deadline is February 15th. Application information and program details can be found at http://international.wmich.edu/content/view/754/356*299 .

The program runs from May 24th to June 8th.Program Description: We begin our stay in the heart of Tokyo. For most of the program students are housed in the classic Japanese style rooms of the priests dorms at Zojoji, a centuries old temple located just under Tokyo Tower. Using Zojoji as our base, we travel each morning to Taisho University for lectures and cultural exchange with Japanese students. Next, we head out to visit the headquarters and training dojo of major new religious movements (including Rissho Koseikai, Kodo Kyodan and Mahikari), ancient temples, and Shinto shrines. We also work into the schedule visits to some of the most famous museums in Japan. Free days have optional trips to shopping districts and parks.The highlight of the trip is the three-day, two-night excursion to Nikko. The trip begins at Manganji, a training temple and pilgrimage site. Students learn about and have the opportunity to experience a variety of Buddhist practices including sitting meditation, image copying, and the goma fire ceremony. Before leaving Manganji, students hike to its waterfall for a rare chance at waterfall practice. The rest of the Nikko trip is spent enjoying a hot spring resort and touring the famous world heritage sites.

The program is led by Dr. Stephen Covell. Dr. Covell earned his Ph.D. in Japanese Religions from Princeton University and is currently the Mary Meader (Associate) Professor of Comparative Religion and Director of the Soga Japan Center at WMU. Dr. Covell has drawn on his experience and contacts in Japan to put together a behind the scenes tour of Japanese religious life. For pictures and comments from a past trip see http://homepages.wmich.edu/~scovell.

Student Comments:[This trip] forever influenced my understanding of the depths of religious nature, the ways in which history should be remembered and preserved, and the influences both of these elements can have on present-day culture.In just twelve days, I have learned more and been exposed to more Buddhism than is possible in a lifetime of reading and studying in the United States.Stephen G. Covell, Ph.D.Director, Michitoshi Soga Japan CenterMary Meader (Associate) Professor of Comparative ReligionDepartment of Comparative ReligionWestern Michigan University

Undergraduate Asian Studies Conference

2010-01-02T10:54:00.002-05:00

Below is information provided by Luding Tong for an undergraduate Asian Studies conference, Marietta College, April 15-17, 2010

Second Call for Papers: "Fourth Undergraduate Asian Studies Symposium" at

Marietta College, April 15-17, 2010

As part of the celebration of Marietta College's 175th anniversary, the

Asian Studies Program, in collaboration with The McDonough Center for

Leadership and Business, has organized a Fourth Asian Studies Symposium

for undergraduate students to share their scholarly interests in Asia and

present their research results in a supportive environment. The symposium

will be held at the college Thursday through Saturday, April 15-17, 2010.

The conference invites proposals for panels and papers from a wide variety

of academic disciplines. All proposals germane to Central, South,

Southeast, and East Asia are welcome.

Deadline for proposals: *March 1, 2010*

Send a one-page abstract of the paper or panel proposal to:

Luding Tong, Ph.D.

Director, Asian Studies Program

Chair, Department of Modern Languages

Marietta College

215 Fifth Street

Marietta, OH 45750

Or, submit an electronic copy of the abstract to: Luding.Tong@marietta.edu.

Those who submit proposals will be notified within two weeks of submission

whether their proposals have been accepted. Complete papers of accepted

proposals received by *April 1, 2010,* will be entered automatically in

the conference /Best Paper Award/ competition. Registration is required

for the competition. Conference proceedings will be published on CD in May

2010. The conference program will be posted on the conference web site by

*March 15, 2010*.

For details on how to submit a proposal, on registration, and other

information about the symposium, visit

http://www.marietta.edu/departments/Asian_Studies/symposium.html.

Contact Dr. Luding Tong at (740) 376-4640 or by

email Luding.Tong@marietta.edu with any

questions.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES MA (in English) AT CENTRAL EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY

2009-12-08T09:55:00.002-05:00

RELIGIOUS STUDIES MA (in English) AT CENTRAL EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY
The Central European University is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and unique setting for the study of religion in a historical and comparative perspective. Situated at the crossroad of Empires and of world religions, Budapest offers a microcosm of the interactions of religions, cultures and societies.

Specialization in Religious Studies
The Specialization Religious Studies, offered by the School of History and Interdisciplinary Historical Studies, awards a non-degree certificate in Religious Studies. Students will enroll and receive their degrees in either the Department of History or Medieval Studies. As part of their MA in History or Medieval Studies, students of this Specialization will engage in the study of religious phenomena from a historical point of view, from Late Antiquity to modernity, and a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives. The Specialization Religious Studies is a young teaching unit, launched in 2007 by the Religious Studies Program. Its diverse course offers cover the three monotheistic religions multidisciplinary perspectives. To this end, apart from the Departments of History and Medieval Studies, more departments participate through their course offerings, such as Philosophy, Jewish Studies Program, Sociology and Social Anthropology, International Relations and European Studies. In the past, students were successful in receiving prestigious international scholarships and in entering challenging professional fields.

Religious Studies Program
The Religious Studies Program (RSP) is a research program and an academic forum at CEU fostering the academic study of religion. The mission of the program is to initiate and to coordinate research, academic events, and publications that address in critical ways religion-related questions in critical ways. The RSP is integrated into the School of History and Interdisciplinary Historical Studies and collaborates with relevant departments and academic units at the CEU. It crosses the borders of academic disciplines, confessional and geo-political categorizations. With an international advisory board and contacts with institutions throughout the region, as well as worldwide, the RSP provides an important site in Eastern Europe for academic research and communication on religion.

Source Language Teaching Unit
It is expected that as of Academic Year 2010/2011, students specializing in Religious Studies will be able to take intensive, high-level courses in classical and modern languages. The offering will include Greek, Latin, Arabic, Hebrew, Syriac, Ottoman as well as Russian and modern Turkish and Greek.

About CEU and the School of History and Interdisciplinary Historical Studies
Central European University (CEU) is a graduate, English-language, research-intensive university located in Budapest, Hungary, and is accredited in the USA and Hungary. While concentrating on the social sciences and humanities, CEU also offers programs in Business, Economics, Law, Environmental Sciences and Mathematics. With students coming from 100 countries, CEU is proud of its international community with no predominant national majority. The university offers small, seminar-style courses with student/faculty ratio 7:1, and individual consultations with professors. The School of History and Interdisciplinary Historical Studies brings together the Departments of History and Medieval Studies, the Nationalism Studies Program, the Religious Studies Program and Pasts, Inc. Institute of Historical Studies, as well as other research centers and programs related to the three teaching units with the aim to strengthen interdisciplinary studies. See: http://www.ceu.hu/node/2684

Faculty in Charge of the Specialization
Aziz Al-Azmeh (Department of Medieval Studies)
Nadia Al-Bagdadi (Department of History)
Matthias Riedl (Department of History)

Sample Courses
Approaching Religion
Bookish Traditions: Authority and the Book in Scripturalist Religions
Political Theology - Ancient and Modern
Christian-Muslim Polemics in the Middle Ages
Messianism - From the Age of Revelation to the Age of Revolution Religion and Authority Secularism and Religion - Comparative Perspectives on Christianity and Islam
Philosophy and Theology in the Middle Ages

Scholarships
CEU is committed to sustaining a geographically diverse and multi-cultural student body. To further this goal, the university welcomes financial aid applications from students around the world. Full scholarships are available for the Specialization Religious Studies. For more detailed information on financial aid, please visit www.ceu.hu/admissions/financialaid.

How to Start the Application Procedure
Students interested in the Specialization Religious Studies have a choice of applying to a One Year MA, Two Year MA or PhD. For research topics that focus on the period up to the end of the 15th century apply to the Medieval Studies Department (medstud.ceu.hu), for later topics to the History Department (www.hist.ceu.hu). Applications are accepted through an on-line system at http://www.ceu.hu/admissions/apply beginning on November 10, 2009. Candidates applying by January 25, 2010 are eligible to take the CEU-administered institutional TOEFL. Candidates who can provide evidence of proficiency in English or will organize their own TOEFL examination may apply by March 5, 2009. Full scholarships are available!

Application Deadlines
Deadlines for application to the CEU History and/or the Medieval Studies Department are: January 25, 2010: For applicants who wish/are required to take the CEU administered admissions examinations and /or are requesting exemption from the English language proficiency requirement. March 16, 2010: For applicants submitting applications complete with language scores and other applicable test scores. March 2010: For CEU Master's students and graduates applying to doctoral programs.

For detailed information about the academic programs and course, specific entry requirements, and a list of faculty, visit our website or contact us directly. Religious Studies Program Central European University (CEU) Nádor u. 11, room 211 h-1051 Budapest Telephone :+36.1/327-3000 ex 2170 E-mail: mailto:rsp@ceu.hu / Website: http://www.ceu.hu/religion RSP Director Nadia Al-Bagdadi (mailto:albagdadin@ceu.hu) RSP Program Coordinator Esther Holbrook (mailto:holbrooke@ceu.hu) CEU Department of History Nador u. 9, 1051 Budapest Hungary Telephone :+36 1 327-3022 / Fax:+36 1 327-3191 E-mail: mailto:history@ceu.hu / Website: http://www.ceu.hu/history CEU Department of Medieval Studies Nador u. 9, 1051 Budapest Hungary Telephone :+36 1 327-3024 / Fax:+36 1 327-3055 E-mail: mailto:medstud@ceu.hu / Website: http://www.medstud.ceu.hu You can also visit the Religious Studies group on Facebook.

Symposium on Medieval and Renaissance Studies

2009-11-23T14:39:00.001-05:00

Symposium on Medieval and Renaissance Studies:

Wednesday, December 2 from 5:00 to 7:00pm
at Carnegie Mellon University, 237B Baker Hall (the long building across the bridge from Pitt).

An informal discussion with Pittsburgh faculty Allyson Creasman (CMU), Frank Toker (Pitt), Jen Waldron (Pitt), Dan Selcer (Duquesne), Adam Shear (Pitt), Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski (Pitt), and Peggy Knapp (CMU), all of whom will briefly describe their fields of interest. Graduate and Undergraduate students can see who's doing what, what courses will be offered, and what books are hot.

As in Plato's day, a symposium is a festive occasion implying food as well as conversation; accordingly, the roundtable will befollowed by a light supper for everyone who comes, so we can converse in smaller groups. Please rsvp to Peggy Knapp at CMU, pk07@andrew.cmu.edu.

Sponsored by the Pittsburgh Consortium for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

"Test Drive a Career"

2009-11-06T13:56:00.003-05:00

The announcement below is from the advising center:

This upcoming Winter Break, Pitt students will have the opportunity to Test Drive a Career by shadowing an alum or employer. Winter Break is an ideal time since your finals will be over! What better occasion to participate in an a job shadowing experience that will give you the opportunity to shadow a professional and learn more about the potential field you want to enter. If you are considering more than one career field then this is a great way to narrow down your options. If you know what career you want to pursue, this is a great way to “reality check” that profession.

Job shadowing is especially important for sophomores as you will have to declare a major by the end of the academic year. It is important to experience first hand a career field that you may be interested in before making this imperative decision. Below are more details and instructions on how to sign up. We look forward to hearing from you!

This is how the job shadowing will work:

You will be matched with an alum or employer near your Winter Break residence.
The experience can last from a half day to a full day of shadowing.
You will earn OCC credit.
The shadowing dates are:
- December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, & 30

How to register:

RSVP to the Panther Shadow Program through FutureLinks.
- Click on “events”, then
- Click on “workshops”, then
- Click on Panther Shadow Program

You must upload your resume on FutureLinks
- Click on “documents”, then
- Under the “documents” tab, then click “add new”

* If you do not have a resume you can use the Resume Architect on FutureLinks or come to walk-in hours at the Career Development Office from 1 to 4, Monday – Friday, on the 2^nd Floor of the William Pitt Union.

Email the following information to scottdl@pitt.edu – please use the subject “Panther Shadow Program Student”:

Year in school.
Industry/industries of interest – up to three.
Cities you will be near during your Winter Break that are an hour or less away.
Any dates listed above that you will not be available.

DEADLINE TO RSVP IS NOVEMBER 20, 2009

For any questions, please contact Danielle Scott at scottdl@pitt.edu.

Wittenberg in China

2009-10-09T10:48:00.002-04:00

The following was posted on H-ASIA Oct 9 and will be of interest to those who want to study in China.

Wittenberg in China: On the Silk Road" summer program (mid-May 17 to mid-June).

This month-long program offers students an opportunity to explore China's past and present through a study of the historic and contemporary Silk Road through experiential learning activities, class discussions, and site visits. The program is flexibly designed so students can pursue their specific interests in business, medicine, education, art, religion, etc.. For example, Wittenberg Management students have received equivalency credit for International Business; art majors may complete their art history requirement; and pre-Med students can learn first hand about both traditional Chinese and Uigher medical systems. Students study as they travel along the Silk Road from Xi'an, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turfan, Urumqi and Khotan; the program ends in Beijing. There are no prerequisites, and the program is open to all students regardless of their major or graduation year. Where translators arer equired, they will be provided. The program comprehensive fee of $4,780 to $5,780 (depending on number ofparticipants) includes all expenses in China (transportation, room, board,entrance fees, course materials, health & evacuation insurance, and anallowance) and six Wittenberg (four-hour) credits. Additional expenses arethe Wittenberg summer school application fee ($40), international travel,Chinese visa, and small gifts for Chinese hosts. Graduate students mayapply. For application materials, see www.wittenberg.edu/silkroad. Contact Dr.Marcia Frost at mfrost@wittenberg.edu or 937-327-7935 or Dr. Stephen Smithat srsmith@wittenberg.edu or 937-327-7506 or www.wittenberg.edu/silkroad formore information and application packets. Marcia J. FrostAssociate Professor of Economics & East Asian StudiesWittenberg UniversitySpringfield OH 45501

Grad School Fair

2009-09-21T10:48:00.003-04:00

There will be an Idealist.org Graduate Degree Fair for the Public Good on Wednesday, September 23, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the William Pitt Union, Ballroom.

To learn more about it, see idealist.org/gradfairs

Self-Service Enrollment

2009-09-14T11:05:00.002-04:00

Starting this October you will be able to self-enroll for courses in the spring term. This will enable you to register, add, and drop courses at your convenience. The School of Arts & Sciences has provided the following information on how students can get started:

1. Log on the Student Center through the http://my.pitt.edu Web portal

2. View details about their enrollment appointment

3. Contact their academic advisors for a pre-registration appointment BEFORE their enrollment appointment begins.

As the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Religious Studies, I will post later this month a sign-up sheet outside my office (CL 2610) so you can sign up to see me before your enrollment appointment.

Before you come to your appointment, please make sure you fill out two checklists:
"GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST"
"CHECKLIST FOR THE RELIGIOUS STUDIES MAJOR"

Both are available through the departmental website at

http://www.religiousstudies.pitt.edu/undergraduate/checklists.php

I look forward to talking with you about your future academic life here at Pitt.

---Clark Chilson

Career Kickoff

2009-08-26T12:49:00.003-04:00

From the Vice Provost and Dean of Students:

"Career Kickoff with be held from September 14-18 and will provide students with a chance to network with employers and have their resume critiqued by seasoned professionals. Tables have been reserved in convenient locations across campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day to enable students to prepare for the career fair"

If you would like to learn more about this and the Student Employment and Placement Assistance (SEPA) offices, see http://www.hire.pitt.edu/.

A Peaceful and Orderly Transition in the Cathedral of Learning

2009-07-01T19:20:00.003-04:00

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.

Harvard Divinity School Diversity and Explorations Program

2009-06-22T20:48:00.002-04:00

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.

Amazing April 09 Grads: Your Diplomas may be a bit delayed

2009-06-19T13:21:00.002-04:00

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."

Congratulations again to our amazing April 09 graduates!

2009-06-16T13:38:00.001-04:00

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.

Summer Business

2009-05-11T14:04:00.002-04:00

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.

Ossip Writing Awards

2009-04-23T12:53:00.001-04:00

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.

Volunteer Nature and Social Projects in Israel

2009-04-23T12:39:00.000-04:00

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
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Cultural Studies Presenations

2009-04-23T11:59:00.002-04:00

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!

Writing Fellowship: Judaism and Social Justice

2009-04-23T10:46:00.001-04:00

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.

Summer Courses: Religions of the West and Religions of Asia

2009-04-22T13:13:00.002-04:00

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.

REMINDER: END OF SEMESTER EVENT FOR UNDERGRADUATES THIS FRIDAY

2009-04-14T14:53:00.001-04:00

This is an excellent opportunity to eat free pizza and get a preview of what kinds of research you might do in the capstone course (Religious Studies 1903).

Friday April 17: End-of-the-Semester Event for Undergraduates

The Department of Religious Studies
University of Pittsburgh

Come celebrate the end of the semester with
FREE PIZZA
and three short talks by the spring-term
Religious Studies 1903 students on their research projects:

Kara Birchard
“Enculturation: The Church Fathers on Women’s Roles”

Timothy Jackson
“Catholicism as a Minority Religion in Mongolia and India”

Candice Roberson
“Blood-Red Africa: The Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke
and his Mission to Convert a Continent”

Friday April 17, 2009, 12 noon-1 pm
2628 Cathedral of Learning

Questions and RSVP: ashear@pitt.edu

Pre-Law Advisor/Liberal Arts Career Consultant Leaving at End of Semester

2009-04-12T11:39:00.003-04:00

After April 17th, Angela Illig will be transitioning into a new position at GSPIA, as Assistant Director of Career Services, and will no longer be acting as the Pre-Law Advisor and Career Consultant for Liberal Arts out of the Career Development Office.
She writes: "I have enjoyed working with all of you and our students at the University in my role, and wish all of you and the undergraduate student population continued success in the future."

If you have already worked with her and have follow-up questions feel free to contact her (illig@pitt.edu) during this transistion.

If you are now seeking career advice for law school or other professions for the first time, please consult with Career Services to get contact information for the new Pre-Law Advisor/Career Consultant.

April 16: Lecture: "Texts and Rites for the Pre-Baptismal Period"

2009-04-12T11:36:00.002-04:00

Lecture--Texts and Rites for the Pre-baptismal Period: the Mother, Child, Midwife, and the Priest
Thursday April 16
3:00PM - 4:30PM
1401 Cathedral of Learning
Audience: General Public
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: Center for Russian and East European Studies, Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures

Margaret Dimitrova, Sofia University, Bulgaria

Friday April 17: End-of-the-Semester Event for Undergraduates

2009-04-06T09:44:00.003-04:00

The Department of Religious Studies
University of Pittsburgh

Come celebrate the end of the semester with
FREE PIZZA
and three short talks by the spring-term
Religious Studies 1903 students on their research projects:

Kara Birchard
“Enculturation: The Church Fathers on Women’s Roles”

Timothy Jackson
“Catholicism as a Minority Religion in Mongolia and India”

Candice Roberson
“Blood-Red Africa: The Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke
and his Mission to Convert a Continent”

Friday April 17, 2009, 12 noon-1 pm
2628 Cathedral of Learning

Questions and RSVP: ashear@pitt.edu

Wednesday April 8: DEPARTMENT COLLOQUIUM

2009-04-06T09:42:00.001-04:00

Religion and Civil Society Actors in International Development: A Report on the Early Stages of a Project on Religion, Political Voice, and Accountability

Paul J. Nelson, Associate Professor of International Development, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh

Noon, 2628 Cathedral of Learning
Department of Religious Studies Brown Bag Lunch Colloquium

Paul Nelson's research interests include non-governmental organizations; transparency in international organizations; religion and civil society; and human rights and development. Coauthor of New Rights Advocacy: Changing Strategies of Development and Human Rights NGOs [with Ellen Dorsey] (Georgetown University Press, 2008), Dr. Nelson is currently working on "Religious Institutions and Voices in International Development," funded by the Henry Luce Foundation (2008-2011).

Friday April 10: Lecture "Resistance in the Minsk Ghetto"

2009-04-06T09:41:00.002-04:00

Department of Sociology
Pittsburgh Social Movements Forum
Politics and Culture Concentration
present

Uncovering an Anti-Fascist Political Culture:
Resistance in the Minsk Ghetto

In the World War Two Minsk ghetto, a political culture of resistance was created under the noses of the German occupiers, on the basis of a Communist underground intertwined with networks of non-Communists, both involving links between the ghetto and the surrounding city. The inter-ethnic solidarity that flourished in Minsk during the war stood in contrast to the widespread abandonment of Jews elsewhere by local populations. In this talk Barbara Epstein will describe the networks of resistance that flourished in wartime Minsk and address the question of why solidarity was so much stronger in Minsk than elsewhere in German-occupied Eastern Europe. She will also describe what it was like to reconstruct an oppositional political culture, of which virtually no trace remained but the memories of survivors.

Friday, April 10, 2009
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
4606 Posvar Hall

An E-mail from "Nourish"

2009-04-03T09:57:00.003-04:00

I'm working with Nourish International, winner of the 2008 North Carolina Peace Prize for excellence in cross-cultural solutions and sustainable development.

Nourish International is a student movement to eradicate global poverty. During the school year, Nourish Chapters run small businesses called "Ventures." The money they earn is invested in sustainable development projects that they choose. Over the summer, they travel abroad to work alongside their community partner in implementing the project.

To expand our impact, we're looking for students to found Nourish Chapters at their respective universities. Students who apply and are selected for our Chapter Founders Program will receive $500 in start-up capital, professional training and support in founding their own chapter and will gain valuable experience in the process.

Best,

Caroline Shedlock and the Nourish Team

=====================

In our world, as of 2009:

1.1 billion people lack access to clean water, 850 million people are malnourished, and 8 million people die each year because they are simply too poor to stay alive.

You can change this today.

Nourish International is a student movement to eradicate global poverty. During the school year, Nourish Chapters run small businesses called "Ventures." Using the money they earn, Chapters plan and invest in sustainable community development projects. Students then travel abroad to partner with local communities in implementing those solutions.

To expand our impact, we're looking for students on your campus who want to be a part of the solution to global poverty and challenge themselves in the process. These students will receive professional training and support as they start a Nourish Chapter at their school – building membership, running ventures and implementing sustainable development projects overseas.

There are several ways to get involved:

Apply to be a Chapter Founder – Between now and April 19th Nourish is accepting applications for its Chapter Founders Program. This spring, we'll be selecting student leaders from 10 campuses across the country to receive professional training, support and $500 start-up capital.
Tell a friend – If Nourish isn't the right opportunity for you, you can still help accomplish our mission of eradicating global poverty. Spreading the word to just three people drastically raises our chances of finding the right student on your campus.

About Nourish International

Nourish International was founded in 2003 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the student group Hunger Lunch. Since incorporating as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit in 2006, Nourish has begun chapters on 23 campuses nationwide. In 2008, Nourish was awarded the North Carolina Peace Prize for excellence in cross-cultural solutions and sustainable development.

Since inception, Nourish students have raised and invested more than $100,000 in sustainable development projects in 14 communities worldwide.

Act now - applications are being reviewed as they come in!

Sincerely,

The Nourish Team
chapter.founders@nourishinternational.org
www.nourishinternational.org/founders

--
Eight million people will die this year because they're too poor to stay alive - You can change this TODAY.

Apply to be a Nourish Chapter Founder: http://www.nourishinternational.org/students -- next deadline is April 19th.

Eradicating poverty by engaging students and empowering communities.

Nourish International Chapter Founders Team
office: 919.747.3642
chapter.founders@nourishinternational.org
http://www.nourishinternational.org

Monday April 6: Lecture: Competion over Religious Sites in Bulgaria

2009-04-03T09:37:00.000-04:00

MONDAY, APRIL 6

Lecture--Nature Cannot Handle Empty Space: The Competition over the Identities of Religious Sites among Turkish Muslims in Bulgaria
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
4217 Posvar Hall
Audience: General Public
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: Center for Russian and East European Studies

Hande Sozer, Department of Anthropology
For more information, contact Anna Talone - 412-648-7407 crees@pitt.edu

Friday April 3: Stuart Clark Lecture at CMU

2009-03-30T22:27:00.002-04:00

Click on the poster to enlarge.

Hail and Farewell to Judy Macey

2009-03-26T22:49:00.002-04:00

Judy Macey, our Department Administrator, will retire on March 31 after a long career with the University of Pittsburgh. Please stop by the office in the next few days to wish her well.

Undergraduate Advisor Office Hours

2009-03-26T22:48:00.003-04:00

For various reasons, I need to cancel my walk-in office hours on Wednesday April 1 and Wednesday April 8.

Please e-mail for an appointment if you were planning to come then.

Summer Program: Jewish Uruguay

2009-03-26T17:19:00.000-04:00

HILLEL URUGUAY
SPANISH PROGRAM 2009

HILLEL URUGUAY IS OFFERING A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CHANCE FOR STUDENTS TO COME—AS A GROUP OR INDIVIDUALLY—TO…

 Learn Spanish in the most welcoming country and Jewish community of South America!
 Meet Jewish students and young professionals from Uruguay, your Hillel, and other countries
 Immerse in a new culture and Jewish community
 Get academic credits
 Participate in a Tzedek-intensive curriculum
 Work in an internship
 Optional travel excursions
 And have fun!

THE MONTH-LONG PROGRAM INCLUDES

 AUDELE Spanish classes and all required materials
 Four star accommodations
 One kosher meal a day
 Transportation to and from the airport
 Participation in Hillel Uruguay activities
 Trips to:
 Buenos Aires, Argentina
 Historic Quarter of the city of Colonia del Sacramento, declared a Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Date
Monday, June 8, 2009 through Tuesday, July 7, 2009.

Price
$2,300 (U.S. dollars) per person, airfare not included.

Offered to
Groups and individuals.

How can you take advantage of this opportunity?
If you are a Hillel professional, offer your students this amazing chance to come individually or organize a group from your Hillel to come down! If you are an individual student or professional between the ages of 17 and 30, just decide to come down!

Limited spots are available

Friday April 17: Pizza and Research Talks for/from Majors

2009-03-26T14:06:00.002-04:00

Come celebrate the end of the semester with
FREE PIZZA
and three short talks by the spring-term Religious Studies 1903 students on their research projects: Kara Birchard, Timothy Jackson, Candice Roberson. All majors are invited to eat, meet other Religious Studies undergraduates, and get a preview of the kind of research you will do as a senior in Religious Studies 1903.

Friday April 17, 2009
12 noon-1 pm
2628 Cathedral of Learning
Questions and rsvp: ashear@pitt.edu

April 8: Department Colloquium

2009-03-26T14:05:00.000-04:00

The Department of Religious Studies
Brown Bag Lunch Colloquium Series
University of Pittsburgh
presents

Paul J. Nelson

Associate Professor of International Development, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

University of Pittsburgh

“Religion and Civil Society Actors in International Development:

A Report on the Early Stages of a Project on Religion, Political Voice, and Accountability”

Wednesday, April 8, 2009
12:00 noon- 1 pm
2628 Cathedral of Learning
Coffee and cookies provided

Paul Nelson's research interests include non-governmental organizations; transparency in international organizations; religion and civil society; and human rights and development. Coauthor of New Rights Advocacy: Changing Strategies of Development and Human Rights NGOs [with Ellen Dorsey] (Georgetown University Press, 2008), Dr. Nelson is currently working on a "Religious Institutions and Voices in International Development," funded by the Henry Luce Foundation (2008-2011).

Junior Year 500

2009-03-26T13:44:00.001-04:00

Religious Studies 1903 AY 2009-2010

2009-03-26T13:41:00.002-04:00

Given the increase in majors in the department, we are currently contemplating offering a section of the capstone course (Religious Studies 1903) in the spring term next year (in addition to the usual fall term course). If you have not already spoken to me about this and you would be interested in taking the capstone (Religious Studies 1903, Directed Research) next spring, please e-mail me (ashear@pitt.edu) as soon as possible. We need to have a count of how many students we might expect for the spring term in order to plan faculty and course assignments.

Youth Minister job in Cranberry, PA

2009-03-26T13:40:00.000-04:00

Hope Lutheran Church (Cranberry Township, PA) is seeking a student to help with our youth ministry program beginning in the fall for a period of one year, with the possibility of continuing beyond. We offer a small stipend for the students services/ministry. Much, if not all, of the work takes place on Sundays.

Sincerely,
Rev. Richard J. Leseganich
Hope Lutheran Church (ELCA)
8070 Rowan Road
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
724-776-3141 Ext. 203
www.hopelutherancranberry.org

Job Shadowing Program at Career Services

2009-03-25T21:43:00.001-04:00

Get a Competitive Edge to Prepare for Your Job of the Future
Learn about a field and gain contacts too.
An Invitation to participate in Job Shadowing with a Pitt Alum
Student Application Procedure and Timeline

Job shadowing is a one day observation experience where you go to the workplace of an alum and follow them through their day at an agreed upon date during spring break. The application process will be electronic through the Career Development web site, www.careers.pitt.edu. You will review the alumni by fields and select up to 3 in rank order that match your interest.

You should submit a resume and a (cover letter) stating the numbers of the placements
for which you would like to be considered (up to 3 in rank order) and a statement of why you are interested to the email link on the site. Transportation to the shadow site is the responsibility of the student.

The procedure will follow the timeline below. In order to participate, you will be required to attend a preparation session. When selected you will be notified by email. Alumni are asked to email you if you have been selected for the experience to arrange details. If you do not hear from an alum, contact the Career Development Office at imentor@pitt.edu.

The alumni will then telephone you to discuss what you hope to learn and to finalize the details. Give this some thought because they will be seeking your guidance on what you want to learn.
When the program is over we will ask you to complete an evaluation of the program, and of course, ask you to send a thank you note to the alum sponsor along with a copy to Career Development either by email imentor@pitt.edu or to Career Development, University of Pittsburgh, 224 WPU, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

Timeline
March 24 – Opportunities are posted on the Career Development web site for students to review.
April 3 – Application submission deadline for students
April 10 - Deadline for matching (You will be notified if matched or not.)
April 10, April 13, or April 14, 12:00 pm Attend one Mandatory Preparation session
April 18 – Deadline for alumni to contact students to arrange the dates of the experience. (We are recommending between May 5 and May 16 if convenient for each of you.)

PANTHER’S SHADOW APPLICATION PROCEDURES

1. Visit the Career Development website at www.careers.pitt.edu and click on “Panthers Shadow for students” between March 24 and April 3.
2. Click “List of opportunities”
3. Review the list of opportunities and then prepare to submit your application.
4. Click the email address link and type your 2 to 3 paragraph statement of interest in the email or attach one that you have done on MSWord. Indicate the specific number of the placement(s) [up to 3] Attach your resume to your email and submit the application to the link on the site.
5. Once the applications have been reviewed you will be notified if you were matched and with whom.

March 31: Lecture: Spike Lee

2009-03-24T21:49:00.002-04:00

March 30: Lecture "Justice and Taxation in Late Daoist China"

2009-03-20T12:20:00.002-04:00

The University of Pittsburgh ASC, the China Council, the History Department and the Department of Religious Studies, and the Modern Languages Department of Carnegie-Mellon University, present

Dr. Vincent Goossaert

"Justice and taxation in late Daoist China"

This presentation will introduce the network of large urban temples run by elite Daoists in late Qing times (19th century) and the way they tried to maintain state-like functions notably administrating justice (though the gods) and collecting taxes (for the gods). It will also sketch the transformations of this 'second level of government' since the early twentieth century.

Monday, March 30
4:00-5:30 PM
4130 WWPH

RELIGIONS OF THE WEST

2009-03-20T12:13:00.001-04:00

In the fall, Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-10:45 IS AN HONORS COLLEGE SECTION. In order to register you must secure permission from the Honors College, 36th floor of the Cathedral of Learning.

Religions of the West will also be offered in the spring in a non-Honors College section.

It is also being offered in the summer session.

Monday March 23: "Making Films About Things that Make You Mad"

2009-03-20T10:52:00.002-04:00

Click on the image to enlarge it.

Undergraduate Research Fair: Deadline March 27

2009-03-20T10:49:00.000-04:00

The University Honors College is holding its annual Undergraduate Research Fair on Wednesday, April 8th from 11:30-2:00 p.m. in the Ballroom of the William Pitt Union. For more information and the application form, please go to < http://www.honorscollege.pitt.edu/opportunities/undergrad-fair.html>.

The application deadline has been extended to March 27, 2009.

March 27: Lecture: Richard Bulliet: "Clash of Civilizations or Islamo-Christian Civilization?"

2009-03-19T12:17:00.001-04:00

Lecture--Clash of Civilizations or Islamo-Christian Civilization?
4 p.m.
104 College Hall, Duquesne University
http://www.cerisnet.org
Announced by: Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies, Global Studies Program

Keynote presentation for the CERIS Undergraduate Research Symposium. RICHARD W. BULLIET is Professor of Middle Eastern History at Columbia University where he also directed the Middle East Institute of the School of International and Public Affairs for twelve years. Born in Rockford, Illinois, in 1940, he came to Columbia in 1976 after undergraduate and graduate work at Harvard and eight years as a faculty member at Harvard and Berkeley. He is a specialist on Iran, the social history of the Islamic Middle East, and the 20th century resurgence of Islam. His most recent book before The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization (2004), a brief interpretation of the current crisis, was Islam: The View from the Edge, published in 1994. His earlier books include The Patricians of Nishapur (1972), The Camel and the Wheel (1975), Conversion to Islam in the Medieval Period (1979), The Earth and Its Peoples: A Global History (co-author, 1997), and The Columbia History of the Twentiet!
h Century (editor, 1998). In 2005 he published a history of human-animal relations with the title Hunters, Herders, and Hamburgers, and his latest book, Cotton, Climate, and Camels in Early Islamic Iran: A Moment in World History, is scheduled to appear later this year. He has also published four novels set in the Middle East.
For more information, contact ceris@pobox.com

March 26: Lecture: Clark Chilson "How to Hide a Religion"

2009-03-19T12:13:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Lecture--Asia Over Lunch Lecture Series: "How to Hide a Religion: Dissimulation as a Transformative Process in the History of a Modern Secretive Shin Buddhist Associaton"
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
4130 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc
Audience: Open to the public
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: Asian Studies Center

A lecture by Clark Chilson, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, University of Pittsburgh For more information, contact Jennifer Murawski - 412-383-3062 jennm@pitt.edu

Seat Reserves in Courses

2009-03-18T10:42:00.000-04:00

The Advising Center has sent a list of classes with reserved seats for incoming. freshmen.

I've posted this outside my office door.

Fulbright Grants: ATTENTION JUNIORS THINKING ABOUT STUDY ABROAD AFTER GRADUATION

2009-03-18T10:41:00.001-04:00

Hosted by University of Pittsburgh Honors College &
Carnegie Mellon University Fellowships and Scholarships Office

Find out about the
Fulbright
U.S. Student Program
http://www.fulbrightonline.org/
Wednesday, March 25th
TWO INFO SESSIONS
1:00 PM, Univ. of Pittsburgh campus,
Frick Fine Arts, Rm 125
5:00 PM, Carnegie Mellon Univ. campus, Margaret Morrison, Rm 103
(same presentation at each session)

o Funding for one year abroad in over 155 countries to study or research, or English Teaching Assistantships in 37 different countries
o Eligibility: seniors, graduate students, and alumni
o U.S. citizenship required
o Presented by Vijay Renganathan, Program Manager, U.S. Student Programs, Institute of International Education
All interested students (and faculty) welcome!
(No RSVP required)

Contact Judy Zang jaz36@pitt.edu, or Julia Spencer julias@cmu.edu for more info.

Summer Internships: Jewish Women's Archive

2009-03-15T23:10:00.003-04:00

The Jewish Women's Archive is looking for you, if:
• You have a keen interest in history and the stories of American Jewish women.
• You want to learn from a dedicated and creative staff what makes a dynamic non-profit tick.
• You like working with new technologies to build interactive, online tools.

Internship Opportunities
1. Each summer intern will work within a specific department:
o Outreach Intern will help broaden the reach of the Jewish Women's Archive by working with the Film, Education, and Development departments to: market JWA's documentary on Jewish comedians, Making Trouble; identify new audiences for educational materials and programming; and expand JWA's community and network of supporters.
o Archives/Records Management Intern will work with JWA's Digital Archivist on improving the management of our 21st century online archive.
o Web Intern will work with JWA's technology team on projects to increase our website's efficiency and enhance recognition by search engines. Knowledge of XHTML, CSS, and at least one programming language (JavaScript, PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, Java) required.
2. All interns will also have the opportunity to work on organization-wide projects such as blogging and creating podcasts.

You'll need:
• Competence with Word, Excel, etc. and willingness to learn new computer skills and software applications
• Online and library research skills
• Strong writing ability
• Ability to communicate via email and telephone
• Willingness to do wide range of tasks
• Curiosity, flexibility, enthusiasm, and a sense of humor.

Things you should know:
Internships at the Jewish Women's Archive are unpaid. (Interns may be able to receive funding or course credit for their work at JWA through their colleges and universities.) Summer interns work in our office for a minimum of 24 hours/week for at least eight weeks between June 1 and August 15. JWA is located near Coolidge Corner in Brookline, easily accessible on public transportation. Internships are open to all, regardless of religion, race, or gender.

Deadline: Applications must be received by Friday, April 12th. (Candidates applying for financial support from another source should let us know the date that a response is required.)

How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter, resumé, names and contact information for two references, and a writing (five pages or less) or, for the web internship, a coding sample to: internships@jwa.org. If you do not have access to email, you may send your package to:

Internships/Jewish Women's Archive
138 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA 02472

March 17: Lecture: The Veil in Islamic Societies

2009-03-15T22:53:00.000-04:00

The Veil in Islamic Societies: An Historical and Social Overview
8:00 pm
Sutherland Hall Lounge
Audience: Open to all Pitt Students
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: Global Studies Program, International Studies Living Learning Community

Shane Minkin, PhD candidate in the joint History and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies program at New York University, will discuss how the veiling of Muslim women has become a political issue of late. The French government banned the veil (along with other conspicuously religious accessories) from all public schools in 2004, sparking a series of protests. As recently as December 2008, a judge in a Georgia court held a Muslim woman in contempt for refusing to remove her veil. What, then, is the meaning of the veil? How did the tradition evolve? What are its links to the colonial Muslim world, and what might it mean to veil? This talk will provide an overview of veiling from pre-Islamic times through today. We will discuss the role of the veil in colonialism and explore the different types of veils throughout the Muslim world. Finally, we will link the discourse surrounding the veil to broader discourses surrounding questions of women and gender and the colonial and post-!
colonial worlds.
For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - 412-624-2918 dristas@pitt.edu

Upcoming Lectures on Religion and Society in Southeastern Europe

2009-03-11T15:28:00.003-04:00

Wednesday, March 18, 8:00pm, 5401 Posvar
“Religious Education in Public Schools in the Balkans”
Zilka Spahic-Siljak, Visiting Professor of Religious Studies, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Co-sponsored with Pi Sigma Alpha
------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, April 1, 12:00 – 1:30pm, 4217 Posvar
“Golgotha and Resurrection: Destiny Myths, Victimization, and Nationalism in Early Serbian Cinematography”
Slobodan Naumovic, Visiting Professor of Anthropology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
------------------------------------------------------
Monday, April 6, 12:00 – 1:30pm, 4217 Posvar
“Nature Cannot Handle Empty Space: The Competition over the Identities of Religious Sites among Turkish Muslims in Bulgaria"
Hande Sozer, Department of Anthropology
------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, April 16, 3:00 – 4:30pm, 1401 CL
“Texts and Rites for the Pre-baptismal Period: the Mother, Child, Midwife, and the Priest”
Margaret Dimitrova, Sofia University, Bulgaria

Sponsored by the Center for Russian and East European Studies, part of UCIS.

March 27: Conference: "The Reception History of the Bible"

2009-03-10T22:22:00.001-04:00

"The Reception History of the Bible: A Symposium"

March 27, 2009

9:30am - 4:00pm

Duquesne Union
Duquesne University
600 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Join us for a series of great paper presentations, including keynote
addresses by Dale C. Allison, Jr. (Pittsburgh Theological Seminary) and
Brian E. Daley, S.J. (University of Notre Dame).

Please see the attached flyer and visit www.duq.edu/receptionhistory for
more information.

March 16: Grad Expo

2009-03-10T22:15:00.002-04:00

Come hear your teaching assitants give lectures:

GradExpo: March 16th, William Pitt Union

At the 9:30AM Sessions:
Session 1b (in Ballroom B): Peter de Vries. "The Apocalyptic Genre
Considered by the Light of Ricoeur's Hermeneutics"

Session 1d (In Dining Room A): Alexandra Seitz. "Arriving at the Proper
Moral Choice: Pittsburgh Catholics for Obama and the Question of Abortion"

Session 1f (In the Lower Lounge): Andrew Cole. " Baklava, Books, and
Boundaries: Religious Identity and Education for Eastern Orthodox Children
in America"

At the 11:15AM Sessions:
Session 2d (In Dining Room A): Emily Bailey. "Shoshin-Beginner's Mind: My
Month in an American Zen Monastery"

The schedule for the whole day's events is posted on the Grad Student
Organization website at:
http://www.pitt.edu/~gradexpo/schedule.html

March 21: Diversity Conference

2009-03-10T22:14:00.001-04:00

The University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Cross Cultural and Leadership Development invites you to participate in “Archie Bunker’s Neighborhood: The REMIX” Saturday, March 21, 2009.

This conference will be unique as you will revisit the exclusivity of the late 20th century to then explore and redefine the dynamics of American society in the 21st century. The world, and your leadership within it, is changing. So we invite you to come and reshape it.

The registration fee has been waived for all University of Pittsburgh -Oakland students. So, please take advantage of the great opportunity.
The deadline to register is March 18, 2009.

For questions or more information, please contact Jacquett Wade at 412-648-9523 or by e-mail at jaw136@pitt.edu.

SENIORS: Take the SAILS survey on-line. Thank you.

2009-03-10T21:45:00.000-04:00

What is Information Literacy?
The School of Arts and Sciences and the University Library System are seeking your
participation in a research study on information literacy to assess the skills of graduating
students at the University of Pittsburgh. Information literacy is the ability to identify what
information is needed, and to critically evaluate, locate, and use the particular information.
Results from this test will help us to design more effective course curriculum and library
instruction for Arts and Sciences students.
What is SAILS?
The Standardized Assessment of Information Literacy Skills (SAILS) is an online assessment
of information literacy skills. The test is being administered to Arts and Sciences seniors now
through April 17.
How to take SAILS
Students should log into the University portal at http://my.pitt.edu. To access the SAILS site,
have your browser configured to accept cookies. Click on the SAILS Survey -- Seniors
button. A short welcome message will appear. Click Continue to begin the SAILS test, which
takes approximately 35 minutes. Students must answer every question for the assessment to
count. If you do not have enough time to finish the test, you can log in later to complete it.
All responses are anonymous. At the end of the test, you will see a “Thank You” page. Print
this page and return it to your advisor to acknowledge your completion of the test. If
the "Thank You” page does not appear, you can log back in to the portal and click the survey
button to print the “Thank You” page.
Results from this test will be available in May 2009. For more information, consult the
ULS Information Literacy site at http://www.library.pitt.edu/services/classes/infoliteracy/
or contact:
Marian Hampton, Coordinator of Library Instruction
hamptonm@pitt.edu
412-648-7770
Pat Duck, Coordinator of Regional University Library System Libraries
pmd1@pitt.edu
724-836-9689
Information Literacy Assessment

March 14: Colloquium on Secularism

2009-03-04T13:59:00.001-05:00

boundary 2, an international journal of literature and culture
presents b2 editors

• Joseph Buttigieg of Notre Dame University
• Stathis Gourgouris of Columbia University
• Ronald Judy of the University of Pittsburgh
• Aamir Mufti of UCLA
• Bruce Robbins of Columbia University

who with several Pittsburgh Colleagues will hold

A Colloquium on
Secularism

10 AM to Noon, Saturday, March 14, 2009
501 Cathedral of Learning

In 2007, boundary 2 issued a call for papers that produce a historical humanist critique of religions, especially faith-based or monotheistic religions. This call for papers rested on the assumption that a critical journal is by definition a secular project and neither legitimates religions nor aligns itself with them or their apparent secular derivatives. boundary 2 will provide a forum to discuss this "new critique of religion" that not only takes into account the foundations of ‘modernity’ but takes as its own starting point the changed place of religion in our world(s). We sought and published essays that describe, analyze, and historicize the implications of the ways in which religions work in the world today. Topics included the contrast between faith and reason; the manipulation of religion by secular power; the relations between religion and populism; the political actions that have made religions prominent again; and so on. These essays clarified the work religions do in their social orders and how critical intellectuals should best understand that work and best evaluate the worlds that they intend to produce.

[For information about this event contact Meg Havran (havran@pitt.edu).]

March 16: Deadline for the CERIS 2009 Undergraduate Research Symposium

2009-03-04T13:57:00.001-05:00

From CERIS:

A reminder the deadline for student papers is March 16, 2009 for the CERIS 2009 Undergraduate Research Symposium, Islam in the World: Politics, People, Places. Please encourage your students to participate.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear University of Pittsburgh Faculty,

I am writing on behalf of the Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies (CERIS), of which Pitt is a member, inviting your participation in an exciting opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge in an arena often not available to undergraduates. On March 28, 2009, CERIS will sponsor an Undergraduate Research Symposium at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh entitled “Islam in the World: People, Politics, Places.” Students from 28 member institutions are invited to submit research papers and then present their work to a panel of judges. Cash prizes totaling $500 will be distributed to the top three papers in each category: Politics & Policy, and Religion and Culture. A third category for artistic or personal presentations will also be held, but these submissions are not eligible for prizes.
On the preceding evening (March 27), a keynote address will be given at Duquesne by Dr. Richard Bulliet, Professor of History at Columbia University and former director of the Middle East Institute there. Dr. Bulliet will also speak directly to the students at a breakfast on Saturday morning before the Symposium begins.
With the 2009 theme of Islam in the World: Politics, People, Places, students may submit papers with topics such as: Dubai and the Credit Crunch; Hamas: Freedom Fighters or Terrorists; Fashion Fusion: Turkish Art and German Design; Rap, Rock and the Muslim Faithful in Indonesia; Muslims in American Democratic Discourse. Students should keep in mind that Islamic Studies encompasses many languages, literatures, and disciplines. It extends from the seventh century to the present, and includes broad geographical areas of the world. Islamic Studies can include but is not limited to history, religion, law, politics, sociology, science, art and culture, language and literature. Students from all majors are eligible to participate in the symposium. Research papers need not be written just for this symposium, but can be the result of work for current or previous classroom requirements. Papers should be 8 – 12 double-spaced pages; students should seek the advice of a faculty member to ensure the quality of their research and paper. Students will also be required to make a 10 – 15 minute presentation of their papers. We encourage you to support your students by attending the symposium on March 28, 2009, and ask that you consider serving as a symposium panel juror for participants from other campuses.
Information about the 2009 CERIS Undergraduate Research Symposium (including important deadlines, submission details, guidelines for writing, and judging criteria) are available at www.cerisnet.org. Please note that final paper submissions are due by March 16th.
With best wishes,

Doug Penhallegon Elaine Linn
CERIS Representative CERIS Outreach Coordinator
& Symposium Co-Chair & Symposium Co-Chair
Duquesne University University of Pittsburgh
penhall321@duq.edu eel58@pitt.edu
412) 759-4543 412) 648-2113

March 19: Lecture: Alicia Ostriker

2009-03-04T13:40:00.000-05:00

Professor Alicia Ostriker

"Re-Deeming Scripture: Contemporary American Midrash"
Thursday, March 19, 2009
4:00 PM
Cathedral of Learning 144
Alicia Ostriker is a prize-winning poet and critic and the author of Feminist Revision and the Bible (1992), The Nakedness of the Fathers:
Biblical Visions and Revisions (1994) as well as For the Love of God: The Bible as an Open Book (2007). Her poetry has appeared in the New Yorker, The Nation and the Paris Review. Professor Ostriker is Professor Emerita of English at Rutgers University teaches in the MFA Program at Drew University.

March 18: Department Colloquium

2009-03-04T13:39:00.000-05:00

The Department of Religious Studies

Brown Bag Lunch Colloquium Series

University of Pittsburgh

presents
Rebecca Denova
Visiting Lecturer, Department of Religious Studies, University of Pittsburgh
“And we got to get ourselves back to the garden.”

(“Woodstock,” Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young)

“It took Jesus a thousand years to die. Images of his corpse did not appear in churches until the tenth century.”
With this opening gambit, Rita Brock and Rebecca Parker have presented an in-depth analysis of the art and literature of ancient Christianity in “Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire.” Simply put, they claim that their evidence demonstrates that the central tenent of ancient Christianity for a thousand years, that of manifesting God’s “kingdom” on earth (Eden), was replaced by a much later theology that stressed warrior emperors and empire, largely influenced by the art and religious narratives of violence and suffering of northern Europe.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009
12:00 PM
144 Cathedral of Learning

Rebecca Denova specializes in early Christianity and is the author of ‘The Things Accomplished Among Us’: Prophetic Tradition in the Structural Pattern of Luke-Acts (Sheffield, 1997) and “A Historical and Literary Understanding of the Passion Narratives in the Gospels” (in Passionate Dialogues: Critical Perspectives on Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, which she co-edited with Daniel Burton, Mise, 2005). She is currently working on the historicity of alleged Jewish “persecution” against Christians in the first century. Prior to teaching at Pitt, Dr. Denova was associate professor of religious studies at Bethany College.

March 7 in Philadelphia: Medieval Music

2009-03-04T13:38:00.001-05:00

If you will be in Philadelphia over break and find yourself in the mood for some medieval music Saturday afternoon, this is the event for you!

Please join the Rare Book Department of the Free Library of Philadelphia for an exhibit opening:

Cantate Domino: Medieval Music Manuscripts in the Free Library of Philadelphia, 900-1500
March 2 – June 26, 2009

Special Saturday hours and musical performance of medieval music by Quidditas:
Saturday, March 7, 2009, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm (performance at 2:30: duration one hour)

Location:
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Third Floor

215.686.5416
or e-mail erefrbd@freelibrary.org

The Rare Book Department is open 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday
Tours of the General Collections are at 11 am daily.

This exhibition features liturgical medieval music manuscripts collected by John Frederick Lewis (1860-1932). Leaves and codices were chosen for their visual appeal as well as for their musical attributes. All of the music displayed is chant: a single line of melody. The Free Library’s collection is representative of notation from the 900s to the 1500s.

March 16: Deadline for CERIS Undergraduate Research Symposium

2009-02-24T10:36:00.000-05:00

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009

Submissions for CERIS Undergraduate Research Symposium
The CERIS Undergraduate Research Symposium is designed to provide undergraduate students at CERIS member institutions with research experience and an opportunity to develop presentation skills, as well as to provide recognition of excellent student scholarship. Total prizes of up to $500 will be awarded.
With the 2009 theme of Islam in the World: Politics, People, Places, students may submit papers with topics such as: Dubai and the Credit Crunch; Hamas: Freedom Fighters or Terrorists; Fashion Fusion: Turkish Art and German Design; Rap, Rock and the Muslim Faithful in Indonesia; Muslims in American Democratic Discourse. Students should keep in mind that Islamic Studies encompasses many languages, literatures, and disciplines. It extends from the seventh century to the present, and includes broad geographical areas of the world. Islamic Studies can include but is not limited to history, religion, law, politics, sociology, science, art and culture, language and literature. Students from all majors are eligible to participate in the symposium. Research papers need not be written just for this symposium, but can be the result of work for current or previous classroom requirements.
For more information and an application, visit http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/ceris/09Symp.html .

Thursday February 26: Lecture on Gratian's Tractatus de penitentia

2009-02-24T10:34:00.001-05:00

Department of History, European History Colloquium presents:

A Treatise in the Spirit of its Age: Universality, Individualism, and Dynamism in Gratian's Tractatus de penitentia (ca. 1133-1140)

Atria A. Larson
4:00 pm
3703 Posvar Hall

World History Center Photo Contest

2009-02-24T10:28:00.002-05:00

The World History Center is sponsoring a photo contest in an effort to spotlight global photography of the University of Pittsburgh students to exhibit in the Center for a period of one year. This contest is open to undergraduate as well as graduate students at the University of Pittsburgh. I have attached the flyer and submission form. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks!
Regina McDonald Russian
Center Administrator
World History Center
3900 W. Wesley Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
rpm14@pitt.edu
412.624.3073

Tuesday March 3: "Big Idea" Contest

2009-02-24T10:26:00.000-05:00

Nine student finalists compete for $5,000
Network with Pitt alums, local entrepreneurs and program sponsors
And…vote in person for the idea you like best … help to select the $500 Wild Card Winner!
When: Tuesday, March 3rd at 6pm

Where: William Pitt Union Lower Lounge (large room with glass windows facing the Cathedral of Learning)
RSVP: Dr. Michael S. Lehman at mslehman@katz.pitt.edu
Bring a friend or colleague to help us build a powerful network with the movers and shakers in entrepreneurship at the University of Pittsburgh!

Big Idea Sponsors:

Allegheny County Economic Development
Blue Tree Allied Angels
Bridgeway Capital
Innovation Works
Meyer Unkovic & Scott LLP
PantherlabWorks
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
Wilke & Associates LLP