The Orthodox Christian Studies Center of Fordham University invites applications for its Research Fellowship in Coptic Orthodox Studies for the 2023-2024 academic year (September 1, 2023-August 31, 2024). The Center actively desires the most compelling, exciting, and rigorous academic projects to join its efforts in fostering Orthodox Christian Studies as a field of scholarly inquiry in its own right.

The Research Fellowship in Coptic Orthodox Studies is intended to support research and writing on some aspect of Coptic Orthodox Christianity. The Fellowship is open to current full-time faculty of all ranks and independent scholars, or it may serve as a dissertation completion fellowship for advanced PhD students prepared to complete their dissertation within the Fellowship period.

Applications are welcomed for projects in any methodological discipline of the humanities or social sciences (e.g., art history, history, philosophy, theology, anthropology, political science), or for projects emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach including but not limited to those of gender studies, postcolonial studies, or postmodern studies as well as other contemporary theoretical methods of inquiry. Proposals are encouraged for projects of any chronological period as long as the primary subject of investigation relates to a critical examination of some aspect of the history, thought, or culture of Coptic Orthodox Christianity whether in Egypt or elsewhere.

For current faculty and independent scholars, the Fellowship can be awarded for either one semester or one year of full-time research and writing, and in either case, the Fellow is expected to be released from all teaching and administrative responsibilities for the duration of the Fellowship. Priority will be given to those projects expected to be completed during the Fellowship period. There is no residence requirement, but the Fellow will be invited to deliver a public lecture at Fordham University on his or her research project.

For Advanced PhD students, the Fellowship will be awarded for one year of full-time research and writing. The Fellow will be expected to be absolved from any service or teaching responsibilities at his or her home institution and to be able to complete his or her dissertation during the Fellowship year. The Fellow will not be required to reside full-time in New York City but will be welcome to participate in Center activities and will be offered the opportunity to deliver a public lecture related to his or her research.