Writers' Seminar on the Jewish People
Young writers between the ages of 22-35 interested in developing their skills in writing about the Jewish people in the United States and abroad are invited to apply to a year-long seminar, commencing in this fall under the direction of Samuel G. Freedman, an award-winning journalist, author and professor. The seminar will offer the opportunity to engage with a small group of peers and with outstanding scholars who will deepen your knowledge of Jewish life in the U.S., Israel, and other lands. Participants will work directly on their writing skills with an outstanding journalist who has written extensively on Jewish and other religious themes.
The seminar will meet in Manhattan on five days between October 2009 and February 2010. (The prospective dates are Oct. 12, Nov. 11, Dec. 14, Jan. 11, and Feb. 15.) At each meeting, participants will be exposed to a different scholar and to learning about the craft of journalism, including by critiquing each other's work. Participants in this free seminar will be expected to produce three pieces of publishable work in different genres:
- Reportage
- Cultural Criticism
- An Opinion Column
Previous journalistic experience is preferred, but not required. What is necessary is demonstrable skill at writing and a proven intellectual curiosity. There is no tuition required and two kosher meals will be provided on seminar days. Participants will be expected to pay their own travel costs.
To apply, please submit a half-dozen samples of your writing, preferably journalistic pieces. (Some of these can also be short fiction or academic papers.) In addition, please send a resume, two letters of recommendation and two short essays, each running between 700-1000: one on your own Jewish life and another on your goals as a writer. The entire package should be sent to: Prof. Samuel G. Freedman, Columbia Journalism School, 2950 Broadway, Mail Code 3815, New York, NY 10027. (The program has no affiliation with Columbia.)
The deadline for applications is August 15. The selection of candidates will be completed by September 15. For additional information, contact Samuel Freedman at sgf1@columbia.edu.