At a time when religion appears to be at the heart of humanity's gravest conflicts, it is clear that an increased understanding of how religion affects our lives is not an option: it is a necessity for survival. Since 1983, CrossCurrents has sponsored the research colloquium because we want to have an impact not only on how religion is taught and studied, but also on the way it influences events that touch us all.  

This summer are encouraging, among others, projects that touch upon a broad theme: The Mediation of Meaning. 

Acknowledging the force of Marshall McLuhan's famous dictum -- the medium is the message --we invite projects that update, challenge, or problematize his thesis. Interdiciplinary work that draws upon the sciences, religion and the arts is most welcome.  We also encourage applications from people outside the academy ... artist, writers, journalists, those working within the communications industry, those who have expertise in computer mediated communications technology, gaming or virtual reality. Projects do not need to be focused on the contemporary period; applicants can suggest research that explores how cultures have been shaped by communications technologies of the past. Nor is this paragraph meant to narrow the range of projects that will be considered this year, but to provoke consideration of topics that might not otherwise be explored in academic departments of religion. 

To that end we invite applications for a fellowship that will allow you to spend a month  in a collaborative learning community, diverse in race, age, gender, religion and intellectual discipline working on a project of your design. The successful applicant will have a capacity for integrating his or her faith tradition with the life of the mind, and will outline a project that will be of interest to those outside his or her area of academic specialization or religious tradition. 

The Colloquium runs for four weeks during July. Those who are selected for a fellowship are referred to as "Coolidge Scholars" after William A. Coolidge, the principal benefactor of this program. Each Coolidge Scholar works on his or her own project, but benefits by being able to collaborate with others. The collegial relationships that develop within the group are a crucial element of this program and one of its distinctive aspects.

The daily schedule allows a balance of structured and unstructured time, including:

1) Time for individual research, reflection and consultation with fellows and staff;
2) Seminars for work-in-progress presentations by fellows;
3) Common meals and opportunities to explore the artistic and cultural resources of New York City

The Colloquium is residential and provides fellows with room and board (vegetarian/kosher food available) and access to libraries and research facilities at Columbia University, Teachers College, Union, Auburn and Jewish Theological Seminaries. Participants are required to pay a $125 registration fee upon acceptance plus the cost of travel.

Applications should be sent via an email that includes:

1) Title and brief description of the applicant's proposed project. 
2) A brief resume including religious affiliation or preference, academic standing and professional experience. 
3) The names, titles, institutional addresses and telephone numbers of two references. (You do not need to have these persons write a letter; we will contact references as needed.)

If you have any further questions about the Colloquium or would like to explore the appropriateness of a project you are thinking about, please contact:
Charles Henderson, CrossCurrents, Executive Director

Email: colloquium@crosscurrents.org
Tel: 212-870-2544 or 
Cell: 917-439-2305

Applications should be submitted by email no later than March 1st each year. Selected participants will be notified by April 1st.

What prior year fellows have said about the colloquium:

"The Colloquium allowed me to redefine myself as a working intellectual. It supported my efforts to allocate more time to creative and academic writing. It allowed me to think, for a brief time, that nothing was more important than the reading and writing I was doing."

"The Colloquium was pivotal for me. It helped to sharpen my focus and affirm my concerns."

"The Colloquium was enormously helpful in affirming my project and in introducing me to models of faith (especially Jewish) which were helpful in opening up my research. I want to say thank you for one of the best experiences of my life."

"A magnificent experience."

"Extremely enjoyable, stimulating, and valuable on a personal, intellectual, and spiritual level. The informal conversations among the fellows and staff were among the most moving and the most interesting I have had for many years."

"Timely, important, and one of the few organized efforts to understand the complexities of the interface between secular society and religious life. At a time when religious absolutism seems to be increasing and religious expression seems relegated to catch phrases and bumper stickers, ARIL / CrossCurrents has a very difficult but important role in keeping the intellectual component alive, vibrant and meaningful. The colloquium is unique."

"Rich and rewarding; the high point to date of my academic career."

"One of the most significant experiences of my life."

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