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    • AJS Perspectives

    Call for Submissions

    Jewish Studies in Today's Academy

    The editors of AJS Perspectives invite scholars, researchers, artists and practitioners to submit proposals for articles exploring various aspects of Jewish Studies in today's academy, in light of contemporary realities and challenges. This special issue seeks to examine the path ahead for Jewish education in college and university settings, and outlines for securing the future of Jewish Studies.

    Background: Without question, Jewish Studies programs on today's campuses face an increasing number of challenges, on multiple fronts. On the curricular front, there has been in recent years increasing stress on STEM programs, at the expense of humanities and liberal arts programs in general. Enrollments in all humanities offerings have substantially declined, while niche programs, such as Jewish Studies, have suffered even more dramatically. To this must be added the sharp increase in anti-Israel/antisemitic agitation on multiple campuses, doubtless contributing to a general angst with respect to expressing one's Judaism, even in a purely academic environment. What, then, is the future of Jewish Studies in college and university settings? Are remedies foreseeable?

    Proposal Guidelines: We welcome proposals for articles that discuss and analyze the future of Jewish Studies from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including but not limited to:

    •       • Historical perspectives on Jewish education
    •       • Pedagogy and teaching techniques
    •       • The relevance and future of Jewish Studies in general
    •       • Challenges and possibilities regarding Jewish Studies on your particular campus
    •       • Personal reflections on this topic, especially with respect to the rising tide of antisemitism on campuses today.

    Contributions should be limited to a maximum of 1,500 words.

    We invite pitches/abstracts of up to 250 words.

    We aim to promote a diversity of voices, including career stage, geographical location, gender, religion, race, sexuality, and ability. As such, you are invited to include relevant aspects of whatever subjectivity or positionality may inform your writing.

    Deadline for pitches: May 5, 2025

    Note that prospective authors will also be required to submit a writing sample (or a sample introductory paragraph) showing facility with writing in a clear and engaging way for a non-specialist audience.

    Decisions will be communicated by late May, and completed essays will be due by June 30.

    Submission Guidelines:
    Please email pitches to Zev Garber at zevgarber@juno.com.

    Publication Timeline Summary:
    - Deadline for Pitches: May 5, 2025
    - Editor Decisions: by late May
    - Completed Essays Due: June 30, 2025
    - Publication of AJS Perspectives Issue: December 2025

    Questions?
    Contact Zev Garber at zevgarber@juno.com.