(Forum and Fellows)
2015–16 Application
The Lubar Institute runs two non-credit, academic-year programs which engage UW students in candid conversation about three Abrahamic religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
Students meet as a group to discuss specific topics which look at the intersection between these religions. These meetings are organized by Dr. Ulrich Rosenhagen, Associate Director of the UW Lubar Institute for the Study of the Abrahamic Religions.
DOWNLOAD the application form
This application should be returned by Monday, April 27, 2015 for best consideration. All applicants will be notified of their status by Monday, May 4, 2015.
“The Lubar Fellowship enlightened my understanding of different religions and cultures. The Fellowship provided my foundation for promoting diversity and tolerance in my future endeavors.”
— Tamar Shertok
Fellow 2010
The Forum
meets monthly • up to 25 students
The Fellows
meets weekly • up to 9 students • $750 stipend • more immersive than the Forum, with regular reading and writing projects, and other activities • Fellows also participate in Forum meetings
• • • • • • •
The Forum meets monthly, on Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm: September 13; October 11; November 8; December 13; February 14; March 13; and April 10
Sample monthly forum topics from previous years:
- Conceptions of the Body
- Religion and Science
- Notions of God in the Abrahamic Traditions
- Worship and Practice
- Cultural Stereotypes of Jews, Christians, Muslims
- Why Should There be Dialogue among Religions?
- Gender Roles; Sexual Ethics; Dating Across Religious Boundaries
- Experiencing Religion and Religious Dialogue Abroad
- Faith and Orthodoxy: Liberal Views vs. Conservative and Fundamentalist Views
The Fellows will determine their weekly group meeting time at the start of the fall semester. All Fellows also participate in the monthly Forum meetings (see the description of those above).
Main assignments and projects
- Weekly readings provided by the group advisor, Ulrich Rosenhagen.
- One short writing project at the start of the year, based on your interview with another Fellow in the group (you interpret their expectations, thoughts, and concerns).
- Three writing projects (3 to 4 pages) during the year on topics of the Fellows’ choosing. These writing projects should offer personal reflections on class sessions, readings, Forum meetings, or anything related to your discussions and experiences at the Lubar Institute.
- Organize a public campus event to help other UW students become more aware of interfaith activities.
- Preparation for two or three speaking engagements.
- Planning the monthly Forum meetings in cooperation with other students.
- Attend occasional events specially organized for Fellows, such as meetings with visiting lecturers and campus guests.
- Organize the “Open Houses of Worship” weekend visit to a synagogue, mosque, and church.
- Provide brief written assessment on your Lubar Institute experience.
- As your class schedule allows, attend the Lubar Institute’s “Nostra Aetate” conference, October 12–13, on campus.
Fellows receive a tuition stipend totaling $750, split between and paid at the end of the fall and spring semesters.
• • • • • • •
“My experience as a fellow allowed me to learn so much about Judaism and Christianity as well as learning so much more about my own faith. In addition, the experience allowed me to be more confident in speaking about religion as well as voicing my opinion in a more articulate manner.”
— Naman Siad
Fellow 2012, Forum 2011
2015–16 Application
DOWNLOAD the application form
This application should be returned by Monday, April 27, 2015 for best consideration. All applicants will be notified of their status by Monday, May 4, 2015.
Applicants should specify whether they are applying for a Fellow position, or for the Forum. Anyone who chooses to apply to be a Fellow, but is not selected for that group, will automatically be considered as an applicant for the Forum.
To participate, you should be willing to share your experiences and knowledge of at least one Abrahamic religious tradition (Islam, Judaism, or Christianity).
You must be a student in good standing at UW–Madison, registered for the entire academic year 2015–16, be enrolled for at least six credits each semester, and commit to attend all scheduled meetings.
You should be highly motivated and ready to engage people of different (or no) religious backgrounds with both candor and sensitivity. You need not belong to any formally established religious institution or hold any particular beliefs.
All participants should be able to treat other participants with respect even if differences of opinion arise.To participate, you should be willing to share your experiences and knowledge of at least one Abrahamic religious tradition (Islam, Judaism, or Christianity).
Please return application materials by April 27, 2015.
Send via campus mail or USPS to:
5223 Mosse Humanities
455 N. Park St.
Madison WI 53706
OR
Hand-deliver to mailbox 5010 on the 5th floor of Mosse Humanities (in the northeast corner)
OR
Send as an email attachment to Ulrich Rosenhagen (rosenhagen@wisc.edu).