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These workshops are an intellectual working space to receive feedback on written pieces you would like reviewed prior to submitting for publication. Unfortunately, ISGAP cannot accept already published pieces at this time.

We encourage applicants to submit work that will be valuable for their own academic progress, such as a long-form essay intended for public-facing publication, a dissertation chapter, or an article in progress.

To ensure a productive session, we ask that applicants submit a strong draft of their work at least two weeks before the scheduled session. This allows for proper pre-circulation and gives participants sufficient time to review the submission.

While the length of the written piece is flexible, it should be of a manageable word count for a diverse and busy audience.

A primary respondent, or discussant, will ask the applicant research- and methodology-driven questions. The discussant is a high-caliber scholar with proven expertise in the specific subject matter tackled in the work. Applicants may either nominate their own, subject to ISGAP approval, or ask the coordinator to assign a primary respondent on their behalf.

The ISGAP Academic Workshop follows this general format:

  • The author presents their work for 20 minutes.
  • The primary respondent engages with the author, asking questions and initiating a discussion for 30 minutes.
  • The final 40 minutes are reserved for an open Q&A session, allowing all attendees to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.

This format ensures a productive and collaborative environment for feedback and dialogue. 

Applicants are welcome to invite non-ISGAP affiliated colleagues, professors, or supporters to attend the session and contribute to the discussion. 

This is a great opportunity to present scholarly work to a broad, interdisciplinary audience while receiving valuable feedback which can guide next steps.

Applicants will receive written notes summarizing the feedback discussed during their session.

Recipients are invited to submit their research to ISGAP’s peer-reviewed journal, the International Journal of Alterity. Recipients are required to submit an op-ed flashpoints article summarizing the findings of their project for consideration on ISGAP’s website.

What’s in it for applicants:

  1. Option to choose your own primary respondent: You have the freedom to select someone you know personally—whether as an academic mentor or adviser—or an expert in your research area whom you’ve been meaning to connect with. ISGAP is happy to facilitate a match for you as well. All Primary Discussants must be approved by ISGAP.
  2. Invite colleagues and supporters: Feel free to invite non-ISGAP affiliated colleagues, professors, or supporters to attend the session and contribute to the discussion.
  3. Engage a diverse audience: This is a great opportunity to present your work to a broad, interdisciplinary audience while receiving valuable feedback which can guide your next steps.
  4. Post-session support: There will be a notetaker throughout the session who will share all feedback and discussion topics with you afterward, providing useful insights to assist in the revision process.

Application process:

To express interest, email [email protected] with an abstract of the piece, a working draft, and a CV. The abstract should include the topic, a clear description of methodology, and references to be included. 

All applications will be reviewed by the ISGAP Faculty Board. 

Applicants will be notified about the result of your application within one month. Successful applicants will then be asked to confirm scheduling. 

 

 

Guidelines for Primary Respondents/Discussants:

Roles and Responsibilities

  1. Engage with the Author’s Work:
    • Carefully review the submitted draft prior to the workshop.
    • Identify key arguments, methodologies, and areas for potential development.
    • Consider both strengths and areas which require further clarification or refinement.
  2. Facilitate a Constructive Discussion:
    • Prepare thoughtful, research-driven questions that probe the author’s thesis, evidence, and methodology.
    • Frame your questions in a way that encourages deeper reflection rather than simple defense of the work.
    • Balance critique with encouragement, ensuring the discussion remains collegial and intellectually enriching.
  3. Structure of the Discussion:
    • 30-minute engagement with the author: Following their 20-minute presentation, you will lead a focused dialogue.
    • Aim to ask 3-5 substantive questions that address key aspects of the work.
    • Be prepared to adapt to the flow of the discussion and engage dynamically with both the author and audience.
  4. Encourage Broader Participation:
    • To help transition into the open Q&A session, highlight key themes for broader discussion to engage the interdisciplinary audience.
  5. Provide Written Feedback (Optional):
    • If possible, summarize key points from the discussion in brief written notes for the author.
    • Offer additional recommendations for publication venues, theoretical frameworks, or complementary research.

Best Practices for Primary Respondents

  • Be Prepared: Thoroughly engage with the paper in advance to ensure a meaningful discussion.
  • Be Constructive: Provide feedback that is both rigorous and supportive, aimed at refining the work for publication.
  • Be Engaging: Foster an interactive and stimulating conversation rather than a one-sided critique.
  • Be Inclusive: Ensure that the discussion remains accessible to a diverse academic audience with varying levels of familiarity with the topic.

Participation as a primary respondent is instrumental in maintaining the high intellectual standards of the ISGAP Academic Workshop. ISGAP appreciates their time, expertise, and commitment to advancing critical scholarship. 

Please email [email protected] with any questions.