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The Obermann Center for Advanced Studies and the Office of the Vice President for Research invite proposals from UI scholars in all departments to direct an Obermann Humanities Symposium.
We invite proposals from scholars in all ranks and all disciplines. We also welcome applications from those who are not in humanities departments, but who raise humanities questions or employ a humanities perspective.
Applicants may propose one symposium to be held in 2008-2009. One symposium per year is funded with an award of $15,000.
Deadline for proposals: November 5, 2007
The purpose of the Obermann Humanities Symposium is to explore any important humanities topic and to highlight UI scholars and scholarship. The proposed symposium may be interdisciplinary or involve the efforts of scholars from a single department, may involve few or many participants, and may use any format that produces a lively exchange of ideas. The symposium must include both UI and visiting discussants, must have some sessions open to all UI faculty, staff, and students, and must be designed to result in a publication (previous symposia have a terrific publication record).
Eligibility:
- All UI full-time tenured, tenure-track, and clinical faculty members are eligible to direct the symposium. Also eligible are all full-time UI Professional and Scientific staff members with the following qualifications: possess a terminal degree or equivalent experience; have a record of scholarship in the proposed area of the humanities; have a regular (versus temporary) appointment.
- Applicants may propose one symposium to be held in 2008-2009. Applicants who received a Humanities Symposium Award in 2007-2008 are not eligible to submit a proposal for this competition
The Obermann Center will provide publicity, budget oversight, and administrative support and will work closely with organizers to mount an exciting, engaging, and enriching event.
Humanities Symposium Proposal Guidelines
Please apply by Monday, November 5, 2007. You will find the online application form here.
Proposals should be written so that they instruct and engage reviewers outside of the applicant's field.
Proposals will be judged by the following criteria:
- importance of the topic and the likelihood that the symposium will advance scholarship on the proposed topic
- participation of some UI humanities scholars as speakers and planners
- effectiveness of the design of the symposium in generating a vigorous exchange of ideas
- likelihood that the symposium will lead to a publication
- qualifications and record of relevant scholarship of the symposium director
- if applicable, the published or creative results of any previous Obermann-sponsored project the applicant has directed.
Here is how to apply:
Complete the online cover sheet asking for contact information by clicking here.
Upload the proposal which should contain the following:
- A narrative (3-5 pages single-spaced) that:
- describes the significance of the topic to humanities scholars, and explains how the proposed symposium will advance scholarship on the proposed topic, and identifies humanities questions to be asked and issues to be raised
- details the tentative schedule, specifying possible session topics and possible UI and visiting scholars, speakers, and discussants, listing a few of their relevant publications
- indicates publication possibilities and other potential results of the symposium
- Applicants who previously received an Obermann Center grant should attach a sheet indicating the title and year of that grant and give full citations for resulting publications or external grants.
- A budget,
requesting up to $15,000, which itemizes estimated costs. Allowable costs include: honoraria, travel, lodging and meals, printing and advertising, telephone and postage, duplication of conference materials, rentals, reception, student assistants, and conference center fees. Indicate other confirmed or potential sources of UI or external support for the symposium.
- The curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages) of the symposium director(s), especially including publications relevant to the topic of the proposed symposium.
Applicants should have their DEOs and Deans email their endorsements of the proposal to neda-barrett@uiowa.edu
Please apply by November 5, 2008. You will find the online application form here.
For further questions, please email Neda Barrett at neda-barrett@uiowa.edu or call 319-335-4034.