As many of us begin to plan for the spring semester, now is the ideal time to get to know the Resources section of the AJS website. There are numerous directories and documents collected here to help AJS members kick off the new semester.
More than 160 syllabi are gathered in the Syllabi Directory, representing more than fifteen subfields in Jewish Studies. Are you teaching a course for the first time and want ideas for readings? Do you want to revitalize a course you have taught for several years? In Jewish History alone, there are 13 syllabi on introductory courses to the modern Jewish experience. Peruse the Syllabi Directory for ideas and suggestions from colleagues around the country.
Whether you are a graduate student seeking doctoral support, a pre-tenure scholar looking for a sabbatical fellowship, a senior scholar interested in course development funds, or an independent scholar in search of a research grant, the Fellowship and Grants Directory will have information you can use. With more than 80 funding opportunities around the world listed, this directory is the single most comprehensive resource guide for scholars seeking grant support in Jewish Studies. Opportunities include support for archival research; dissertation grants; post-tenure fellowships, and more.
Are you responsible for organizing lectures, symposia, concerts, and other public events for your Jewish Studies program or department? The Guide to Public Programming is a must-see resource for every aspect of planning a year's worth of special events, from how to find engaging and accessible speakers, to how to build an audience and market your event, to a last-minute check-list before your event begins. Culled from the advice of experienced public programmers, this guide provides invaluable best practices to help create a professional and successful event.
Scholars who will be visiting other institutions for a semester or year should list themselves in the Directory of Visiting Scholars. This directory is meant to help scholars connect with one another while they are on leave or sabbatical, as well as publicize their availability as a speaker. The AJS encourages institutions seeking a speaker to look at the names listed in the directory and engage a visiting scholar for a public event.
Please look for more Resource Highlights in upcoming issues of the AJS e-newsletter. And please let the AJS know if there are other resources you would like to see online!
