Examining and Reviewing Books on Religion
In our weekly Reading Religion Graduate Salon, an interdisciplinary group of Rice University graduate students and undergraduate student scholars explore the most current and relevant books on issues related to religious pluralism, violence and discrimination, as well as religion in the public sphere.
Students explore the ways in which each text expands our understanding of these topics and interview book authors. They also receive training in professional development and public scholarship.
About the Reading Religion Graduate Salon
Each student will be expected to enroll in a 2-credit course (SOCI 609/ RELI 524). Students will receive a $500 stipend at the successful conclusion of the salon and electronic copies of each book. Lunch will be served during the salon.
Sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Rachel Schneider, Associate Director of Academic Programs at the Boniuk Institute, Director of the RPLC, and Assistant Research Professor of Religion and Prof. Elaine Howard Ecklund, Director of the Boniuk Institute, Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences, and Professor of Sociology.
Requirements
- All participating students must register for SOCI 609 (Social Science students only) or RELI 524 (Humanities students only)
- Students will be expected to attend the weekly salon in person on Thursdays from 12:00-1:30pm.
Successful participation in the salon involves active participation in a robust discussion about each book as well as producing:
- Summary notes about the book(s) they are responsible for presenting
- 15-minute presentation on the book(s) assigned and leading a 30-minute discussion
- Leading an interview with the author of the book(s) assigned
- Writing a publishable book review for an academic journal
- Writing a publishable book review for a public audience
To Apply
Registration is by instructor permission only, for a maximum number of six students.
To apply for approval, please send the following information to BoniukInstitute@rice.edu by November 20, 2025:
- A paragraph describing your interest in the salon, including what you hope to learn and what you hope to contribute
- A copy of your CV
- The names and email addresses of two Rice University faculty references
