Graduate Forum in Islamic Studies

Dedicated to fostering innovative approaches to translating advanced research to the public, our Graduate Forum offers graduate students the opportunity to design and lead public seminars that connect scholarly inquiry with audiences beyond academia.

Call for Proposals | Seldon Graduate Forum in Islamic Studies

Each quarter, one proposal will be selected by the Seldon Institute for implementation. The selected graduate instructor will receive a $1500 grant and institutional support, including office space, in developing and presenting the seminar.

We invite proposals for six-week seminar modules that meet once a week for 1.5 hours and:

  • are accessible to a general public audience;

  • move beyond the format of a traditional university lecture or seminar;

  • include an experimental or creative pedagogical component;

  • provide a draft curriculum or session outline.

For the pilot year, proposals are open to advanced graduate students, with priority given to those enrolled at the University of Chicago and to projects situated in the Islamic intellectual tradition. Proposals for the inaugural cycle are due by January 7th, 2026. Selections will be announced on January 31st, 2026.