Inklings Project Fellowship

Application Opening Again Soon…

The Inklings Project requests fellowship applications from faculty at universities and colleges to encourage the teaching of the works of the Inklings, especially but not limited to C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Grants in the amount of $1,500 are awarded to Fellows for creating and teaching Inklings-related courses. 

The Inklings Project welcomes a variety of courses that delve into the works of the Inklings and engage students (e.g., a freshman writing seminar, a course engaging STEM students, in-person or online/hybrid venues.). These courses may focus on fiction and/or nonfiction and may also include the writings of related authors (e.g., G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy Sayers, George MacDonald). Faculty from all disciplines, including STEM, are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from faculty with no prior experience teaching the Inklings, as well as experienced faculty who endeavor to expand their course to a new audience (e.g., through a new setting or pedagogical format).

Fellow Benefits

The Inklings Project endeavors to support faculty as teachers of these courses—to provide opportunities to thrive as educators and to grow in fellowship with those who share a mutual love for the Inklings. Awardees will be named Inklings Project Fellows for one academic year. Benefits of the Fellowship include:

  • a grant in the amount of $1,500

  • support and resources for creating or innovating upon an Inklings-related course

  • access to a rich community of Inklings scholars

  • invitations to Inklings-related events and workshops

  • participation in an in-person gathering

Fellow Responsibilities

As an Inklings Project Fellow, responsibilities include:

  • sharing course syllabi and course resources for the benefit of other Inklings Project Fellows and the broader Inklings Project community

  • participating in progress updates at least twice yearly

  • attending an annual meeting that will allow for group study as well as reflection on the courses developed

Application Requirements

Applications should ideally be 4-7 pages long and include:

  • full CV or resume of the proposing faculty member (not counted in the 4-7 page limit)

  • description of the proposed course, including a rough outline of the course, format of the course, pedagogical approach, potential readings, which type of students will be encouraged to enroll, and any anticipated costs

    • Note: if the proposed course is pre-existing, the faculty member should also describe how he or she hopes to innovate upon the course during the Fellowship

  • timeline of the course proposal process and proposed initiation of the course

  • statement from the appropriate authority at faculty member’s institution (a dean, department chair, center director, etc.) confirming that the proposed course is viable

Applications are reviewed by faculty at the University of Notre Dame and Brown University among others. Applicants will be notified by August 2024 whether their application is accepted. Grants will be awarded to the faculty member. If necessary, awardees can provide an administrative address and contact within their institution for the awarding of funds.

See below for examples of existing Inklings-related courses. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a particular idea for a course, please contact Liz Zenger (liz@inklingsproject.org).

Deadlines will be posted when the application opens in May of 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can applicants submit an existing course to become an Inklings Project Fellow?
Although we do hope to support and encourage existing courses, the Inklings Project exists in large part to stimulate creation and innovation (e.g., creating a course, developing an innovative pedagogical approach, or teaching in a new setting). If you plan to submit an application featuring an existing course, please clearly explain how you plan to modify, expand, or otherwise innovate upon your existing course. For example, bringing the course to a new audience is appealing, as is exploring new pedagogical strategies or moving into a new format for offering the course (summer immersion, retreat, hybrid or online, community-outreach, etc.)

Does the Inklings Project accept applications from international faculty?
Yes, international applicants are welcome.

Can an applicant submit more than one course in his/her application?
Yes, an applicant can submit more than one course idea if he/she wishes. The fellowship is awarded to the faculty member and is not tied to a specific course.

What year does the course need to be taught?
During the term of the fellowship, the Fellow should be teaching the course, or at least actively planning the course for the following academic year. To be considered for the AY24-25 fellowship, the course should be scheduled for the AY24-25 or AY25-26 at the latest.

Existing Inklings-Related Course Syllabi Examples:

Brown University | “Beyond Narnia: The Political Theory & Writings of C.S. Lewis” | Dr. Timothy Flanigan, Dr. Edward Wing, Dr. Hannah Wei Wu

Providence College | “‘Something Other than God’: C. S. Lewis, Christian Thinker” | Fr. Isaac Augustine Morales, O.P. and Fr. Jordan Zajac, O.P.