“The Restoration and the Arts: Theory, Practice, Intersections”
Brigham Young University
June 8 – July 14, 2020

In the summer of 2020, the Neal A. Maxwell Institute at Brigham Young University, with support from the Mormon Scholars Foundation, will sponsor a summer seminar for graduate students and other qualified individuals on “The Restoration and the Arts: Theory, Practice, Intersections.”

About the Seminar

The seminar will be held at BYU in Provo, Utah, from June 8 to July 14. Admitted participants will receive a stipend of $3,000 with an accommodations subsidy if needed. International participants will also receive some transportation assistance, the amount to be determined by availability of funding. (We are hoping to cover most airfares for the internationals).

The seminar continues the series of seminars on Mormon culture begun in the summer of 1997. This iteration will be conducted by Terryl Givens, Professor of Literature and Religion Emeritus and Neal A. Maxwell Senior Research Fellow at the Maxwell Institute. Co-directing this summer’s seminar will be the LDS artist Brian Kershisnik. We are interpreting the title, the “Restoration and the Arts,” very broadly. Approaches that emphasize virtually any aspect of the theory or practice of art (visual, dramatic, literary, or musical) in the Latter-day Saint tradition, or the intersection of Latter-day Saint art with theology, pedagogy, or worship, will be welcome.

Each participant will be asked to prepare a paper on some aspect of this general subject area for presentation in a public symposium to be held during the final week. Applicants are welcomed from the fields of history, literature, anthropology, sociology, religious studies, philosophy and other humanistic and social scientific fields. Graduate students at any level of preparation are eligible. Young professionals with demonstrated interest and participation in the field of Mormon Studies are also welcome to apply. We are especially anxious to receive international applications.

Important note: Because spaces are so limited, and generous funding is provided, participants must be willing to devote full time to the seminar during the six weeks it runs. The group will generally meet together two hours a day, Monday through Thursday. The rest of the time will be spent in independent research and writing.

How to Apply

Applications must include:

• A one- to two-page essay explaining your interest in the seminar. Include how your training and background relate to Restoration studies, and what benefits you anticipate from participation.
• A writing sample, such as a course paper or alternately a list of publications (10 page max.)
• A completed application form.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

Applications should be submitted by February 15, 2020. Notifications will be sent by March 15, 2020.

Email application materials  or any further questions to: sumsem@byu.edu.