The AJS is excited to again offer its summer writing group for PhD candidates. It has implemented this program to provide extra support and encouragement for PhD candidates seeking to finalize a writing project with structured guidance and the support of a writing group of their peers. This program will be run by Sarah Abrevaya Stein, Distinguished Professor of History and the Viterbi Family Chair in Mediterranean Jewish Studies at UCLA. The group will meet for six Wednesdays in June and July (June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, and July 23). Small working groups will meet from 10–11 AM PST (1–2 PM EST) and the group as a whole will convene from 11:15 AM–12:15 PM PST (2:15–3:15 EST) the same day.
The group will explore strategies for writing, seeking mentorship and feedback, developing and staking arguments, and more. Smaller writing groups will meet to circulate drafts and to share constructive criticisms. The group is designed to help participants finalize a dissertation chapter or article. It is not intended for those at the earliest stages of dissertation conceptualization or research. All applicants should have completed their qualifying exams and defended their dissertation proposal.
• Applicants must be current AJS members for the 2025 calendar year.
• Applicants must be graduate students who have completed their qualifying exams and defended their dissertation proposal.
• Past participants of previous AJS summer writing groups are eligible to reapply. Preference, however, will be given to new participants.
Applicants should complete the application form to submit:
• a current CV
• requested contact information
• a paragraph explaining why you would like to participate in the summer writing group and how it will advance your writing projects and publication agenda
• confirmation that you can meet at the designated times.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
