GRADUATE THEOLOGICAL UNION THE DEAN’S NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 5 FEBRUARY 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

HINDU STUDIES COMES TO THE GTU du Studies here. The first In this month of February the two courses were offered in Council of Deans and the 2015 SINGH LEC- 2

fall 2014, and two more are Academic Committee of the TURE, CARE NEWS scheduled for spring 2015: GTU Board of Trustees will & EVENTS “Philosophies of Religion: be considering proposals for

India and the West” and an MA area of concentration SFTS: JOHN BELL 3 “ and ,” in Hindu Studies and a Cer- WORKSHOP, both taught by Dr. tificate in Hindu Studies that EARTHLINGS: REL- GION IN AN AGE Purushottama Bilimoria who can be taken either inde- OF CLIMATE has been a visiting professor pendently or in conjunction CHANGE, MODERN at UC Berkeley for several with any degree program in Dr. Arthur Holder LANGUAGE EXAM Academic Dean and years. the GTU or a member school. Vice President of We are now delighted to PDP WORKSHOPS, 4 SARLO TEACHING Academic Affairs welcome Dr. Rita Sherma to Finally, on April 10 we will AWARD NOMINA- the GTU as Associate Profes- welcome Professor Anan- The study of Asian religions TIONS sor of Dharma Studies and tanand Rambachan from St. at the GTU goes back at least Director of the Hindu Studies Olaf College in Minnesota to 1971 with the creation of a initiative. For the past two who will give the annual Sur- FINANCIAL AID 5 doctoral area of study then years she has been the Swami jit Singh Lecture on Compar- DEADLINES, called History and Phenome- Vivekananda Visiting Faculty ative Religious Thought and NEWHALL RECIPI- nology of Religions (now ENTS, STUDENT in Hindu Studies at the Uni- Culture on the topic of Cultural and Historical Stud- TRAVEL GRANT versity of Southern Califor- “Interreligious Relations as ies of Religions), which was DEADLINES, PHD nia. Since receiving her Friendship: originally intended to focus STUDENT ELEC- Ph.D. in Theology and Ethics and Charles Freer Andrews.” TIONS on what the school catalog from Claremont Graduate Full details are available in an called “the Hindu-Buddhist IBRARY University, she has published announcement inside this GTU L 6 complex.” Over the years, NEWS, THESIS/ five edited volumes and issue of the Dean’s Newslet- courses on Hindu philosophy DISSERTATION served as an editor-in-chief of ter. and theology have been of- FILING DEADLINE the International Journal of fered on an occasional basis at Many people have worked Dharma Studies, editor of the several different GTU mem- hard to bring Hindu Studies volume of the CJS: Friedman- 7 ber schools. But something to the GTU. We can be forthcoming Encyclopedia of Lowenthal new is happening now, and it grateful that the study of the Prize, DSPT: Be- Indian Religions, and co- is very exciting. world’s third largest religious fore-and-After founder of the Dharma Acad- tradition is now a part of this Films As announced last spring, the emy of North America wonderful ecumenical and GTU has entered into a part- (DANAM). She is currently Honorable 8 interreligious community. nership with the Dharma completing a book that envi- Mention Studies Foundation to devel- sions a contemporary Hindu op a robust program in Hin- ecological theology of the divine feminine. VOLUME 19, ISSUE 5 PAGE 2

2015 SURJIT SINGH LECTURE ON COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS THOUGHT AND CULTURE “Interreligious Relations as vice of India. Their relationship Limits of Scripture, The Advaita Friendship: blossomed quickly and remains Worldview: God, World and Mahatma Gandhi and an illuminating example of Humanity, and Not-Two: A Charles Freer Andrews” friendship across traditions. This Hindu Theology of Liberation Dr. Anantanand lecture examines the shared (forthcoming). The British Rambachan commitments that brought this Broadcasting Corporation trans- Friday, April 10, 2015 remarkable Hindu and Christian mitted a series of his lectures 2pm Reception pair together, as well as the chal- around the world. For over 3pm Lecture lenges and risks of their friend- twenty years, Professor Ram- Dinner Boardroom, 3rd ship. bachan has been involved in the floor of the GTU Library field of interreligious relations as 2400 Ridge Road, Berkeley Dr. Anantanand Rambachan is a Hindu participant and analyst. Dr. Anantanand Professor of Religion at Saint He was a guest participant in the Rambachan Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) Olaf College in Minnesota, last four General Assemblies of and the Reverend Charles Freer where he has been teaching since the World Council of Churches, Andrews (1871-1940) shared an 1985. A native of Trinidad, he and he is a regular participant in extraordinary relationship. From received his Ph.D. from the the consultations of the Pontifi- 1914, until his death in 1940, University of Leeds in the Unit- cal Council for Interreligious Andrews worked closely with ed Kingdom. He is the author of Dialogue at the Vatican and an Gandhi in the Indian independ- several books including Accom- educator on interfaith issues in ence movement and in the ser- plishing the Accomplished, The Minnesota.

CARE NEWS & EVENTS University of California, Friday, February 6 | 12-1pm Berkeley Doug Adams Gallery Co-sponsored by BCSR

Based on ethnographic research William James once de- on sacred dance and the work of scribed Pragmatism as contin- both Carla DeSola and the evan- uing the work of the gelical ballet company Ballet Protestant Reformation, ad- Magnificat!, this presentation mitting all the possibilities of considers how religious identity belief that belonged to a plu- is read on and through the danc- ralistic universe. In Pragma- ing body, and how dancers nego- tism (1907), James writes; tiate religious power structures. “We do not yet know which material beauty and divine pres- Funded in part by a grant from type of religion is going to Present Absence: ence. These 16 icons, primarily CARE, Dr. Summers presented work best in the long run. Icons from the Collection of 18th- and 19th-c. works from this work at the 2014 Society for The various overbeliefs of the Patriarch Russia, comprise the first exhibi- Dance History Scholars and Con- men, the several faith- Athenagoras tion from the collection of the gress on Research in Dance joint ventures, are in fact what is Orthodox Institute Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox conference at the University of needed to bring the evidence February 3 - May 29, 2015 Institute. Iowa. in.” This religious dimension Opening Reception, Thurs- of Pragmatism, which has day, February 5, 2015 | 5- Brown Bag Lunch “Pragmatism… she widens long been persistently ig- 7pm “Un/Catholic Confessions: the field of search for God” nored/repressed, will be the Doug Adams Gallery On Passing for Christian” Speaker: Joan Richardson subject of Joan Richardson’s

Guest Speaker: Michelle Tuesday, February 20 presentation. This exhibition invites us to ex- Summers, CARE Fall 2014 5-7pm plore the paradoxical nature of Grant Recipient 370 Dwinelle Hall icons as embodiments of both VOLUME 19, ISSUE 5 PAGE 3

SFTS EVENT: JOHN BELL WORKSHOPS San Francisco Alleluias, and encourages peo- and poetry from across the Theological Seminary ple to rediscover the signifi- centuries. Center for cance of penitence and lament. SEATING IS LIMITED. Innovation in Ministry We will move from exploring John Bell – and singing songs of celebration Register at tinyurl.com/ February Workshops in - a loud blast of Alleluias - to JohnBellEarth Stewart Chapel the more meditative songs of lament. For more information about John Bell is a world-renowned SEATING IS LIMITED. applying these workshops to- liturgical composer and a wards credit in the Certificate member of the Iona Communi- Wednesesday, February in Worship Leadership pro- ty. His primary concern is the 18, 10:30am-Noon gram, please contact Petey John Bell renewal of congregational wor- God, Land & Love Thornton at 415.451.2860 or ship at the grass roots level. While ecology has not been a [email protected]. prominent topic in the work of Tuesday, February 17, 7- the great theologians, you can 105 Seminary Rd., San An- 8:30pm join us now to experience selmo, CA 94960 | Levity & Lament God's affection for the Earth 415.451.2841 | The Season of Lent temporarily through a tapestry of scripture [email protected] | brings an end to the singing of www.sfts.edu MODERN LANGUAGE EXAM

THE NEXT EARTHLINGS: RELIGION IN AN AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE February 8th 2015, EXAMINATION IS 1:00pm WEDNESDAY, Easton Hall, FEBRUARY 25, 2401 Ridge Road FROM 1PM TO Berkeley CA 94709 4:45PM IN THE DINNER BOARD Our rapidly changing envi- ROOM. REGISTER ronment has resulted in BY FEBRUARY 11 WITH WENDY radical shifts in human rela- ARCE, STUDENT tions and our relationship AFFAIRS OFFICE with the planet. What is MANAGER, the role of religion in this [email protected], new era? This conference 649-2400. will feature contributions including from the Center for Jewish Studies, the Center for Islamic Studies, the Center for Theology, and Rabbi Michael Lerner of Tikkun Magazine. VOLUME 19, ISSUE 5 PAGE 4

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: NEWS & EVENTS 1. Doctoral Council can help each other strengthen facilitate discussions. If you February 4, 2015 our confidence and our skills. In would like to attend please Dinner Board Room order to begin building this com- RSVP ([email protected]) and GTU Library munity PDP is hosting a doctoral briefly indicate your level of student teacher lunch. Students teaching experience. 2. Doctoral Student who are teaching, have taught, Teaching Conversations or will teach (TA positions, 3. CV/Cover Letter Workshop February 11, 201512pm Newhalls, Adjunct positions, with Dr. Bradley Burroughs Feb. Student Lounge etc.) are invited to participate in 25th 10am-12pm 2465 LeConte Ave. fruitful small group conversa- Student Lounge Creating networks and support tions with other student teachers 2465 LeConte Ave. groups for student teachers pro- over a nice meal. PDP will pro- vides us with a space where we vide guiding questions to help 2015 SARLO EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

The Sarlo Excellence in will select one Core Doctoral Teaching Award is given each Faculty member to nominate year to a member of the Core for this award. Discussion Doctoral Faculty whose may take place among doctor- teaching and mentoring of al students when they gather doctoral students embodies at the February and March the values of interreligious area meetings, but opportuni- dialogue and interdisciplinary ty should be provided for all approach to teaching. The students to participate in the next recipient of this honor, selection through email. GTU which entails a substantial MA students are invited to monetary award, will be an- submit their suggestions for nounced at the GTU Com- nominations to MA Program mencement on May 7, 2015. Coordinator Angela Muñoz Doctoral Faculty. be selected only once. who will forward them to the b. Candidates exhibit creative Selection will be made by the doctoral student area assistant and effective pedagogical Previous recipients are Ju- Appointments and Review in the relevant doctoral area methods and performance, dith Berling (2003), Fu- Committee of the Core Doc- of study. both in the classroom and in mitaka Matsuoka (2004), toral Faculty, with the addi- their advising and mentoring Clare Fischer (2005), Doug tion of the GTU President as The faculty person nominated of doctoral students. Adams (2006), Gina Hens- a voting member for this pur- may be from within the area, c. Candidates exhibit ecu- Piazza (2007), Jerome Bag- pose. The Faculty Council has or from another area. The menical and/or interreligious gett (2008), Lewis Rambo (2009), Alejandro García approved a nomination proce- name of the one Core Doc- sensitivity and commitment in dure in which a list of candi- toral Faculty member nomi- Rivera (2010), Ron Nak- their teaching, regardless of asone (2011), Boyung Lee dates will be composed from nated by an area’s students the subject matter or field. (2012), Mia Mochizuki nominations submitted by should be forwarded to the d. Candidates exhibit and (2013), and William O’Neill doctoral and MA students GTU Dean by the Area Stu- promote effective use of in- (2014). through the Areas of Study in dent Assistant as soon as pos- terdisciplinary approaches, as the doctoral program. sible, but no later than Fri- appropriate to their fields. This annual award is made day, March 20. The selection e. Candidates display sensitiv- possible by a generous gift The Area Student Assistant in criteria are as follows: ity to ethnic and cultural di- from the Sarlo Foundation. each area will be responsible versity. for facilitating a process by a. Eligible candidates are ac- f. Sarlo Award recipients may which students in the area tive members of the Core VOLUME 19, ISSUE 5 PAGE 5

2015-2016 FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION DEADLINES Financial Aid Applica- for Federal Student Aid Common MA Students affili- tions for the 2015-2016 (FAFSA). To reach the Fi- ated with- academic year are availa- nancial Aid Office with a ble online at: question, please email ABSW April 15, 2015 www.gtu.edu/ [email protected] or call the us CIS April 1, 2015 admissions/financial-aid. at 510-649-2469. CJS April 1, 2015 DSPT March 15, 2015 Financial Aid Applicants: GTU Doctoral Students IBS April 1, 2015 please find your deadline date (New): February 1, 2015 JST March 1, 2015 below and visit the GTU PAOI April 1, 2015 Consortial Financial Aid web- GTU Doctoral Students PLTS March 15, 2015 site for instructions on how to (Continuing): February 15, PSR February 15, 2015 DOCTORAL STUDENT complete and submit the 2015 SFTS April 15, 2015 ELECTIONS 2015-16 Financial Aid Appli- SKSM April 1, 2015 cation and Free Application A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR STUDENT ELECTIONS WILL BE COMING TO YOU VIA EMAIL VERY 2015-2016 NEWHALL AWARD RECIPIENTS SOON. THINK ABOUT WHO WOULD MAKE In 1987, the late trustee Jane The 2015-16 Newhall Recipi- with Judith Berling, Cesar EXCELLENT MEMBERS Newhall gave a generous gift ents paired with their Faculty Melgar with LeAnn Snow OF THE STUDENT to endow competitive awards mentors are: Beth Anderson Flesher, Mauricio Najarro and ADVISORY COMMITTEE, for doctoral students to en- with Elizabeth Liebert, Matt Marvin L. Wiser with Naomi DOCTORAL COUNCIL, gage in collaborative teaching Boswell with Hung Pham, Seidman, Cristoffr A. Ortiz AND OTHER or research with faculty men- Diandra Chretain with Arthur with Aaron Brody, Robert EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES TO tors in the belief that such Holder, Nicole De Leon with Peach with Boyung Lee, PARTICIPATE AND BE collaborative work would Naomi Seidman, Reem Javed Seumaninoa Puaina with Gina OF SERVICE. contribute to the professional with Judith Berling, Christina Hens-Piazza, Eleanor Shapiro NOMINATE AND VOTE development of the students. Fetherolf with John Endres, with Naomi Seidman. WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY COMES. Sungrae Kim with Ahn Tran, NOMINATIONS WILL BE Cassie Lipowitz with Ibrahim DUE TO Farajajé, Justin Lipscomb [email protected] BY FEBRUARY 27, AND ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD MARCH 9-20. GTU STUDENT TRAVEL GRANT CYCLE #2 APPLICATION DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015 AT 5PM The second cycle deadline to 2015 are eligible to apply for the "Professional Develop- compete for a GTU Student the second cycle. Addition- ment" subheading and the Travel Grant is Tues- ally, the GTU Student Travel link for the application will be day, February 17, 2015 at Grant Application form must listed there.) For more infor- 5pm in the GTU Dean’s accompany supporting mate- mation, please consult the Office. GTU doctoral stu- rials. The application form is 2014 Doctoral Program dents who are presenting available on the GTU Handbook (p. 77), call the papers at national conferences webpage. (Go to "Current GTU Dean’s Office and meetings between Febru- Students" across the top ban- (649.2440), or email ary 1, 2015 and June 30, ner and then scroll down to [email protected]. PAGE 6 THE DEAN’S NEWSLETTER

GTU LIBRARY NEWS Expanded Reference Art Exhibition News Here is a short excerpt from Desk Hours an article Thepo Tulku The library is expanding The library art exhibition, wrote entitled “The People reference desk hours for “Formless Form, the Art of of Tibet Need Help Now.” the spring semester. There Sho,” has been extended will now be a librarian through February 10. If “On the night of March 17, available until 8pm on you haven’t had a chance to 1959, the Dalai Lama dis- Tuesday and Wednesday stop by to view this won- guised himself as a Chinese evenings, and all day on derful exhibit of Professor soldier, slipped out of his Sunday. Ron Nakasone’s calligra- summer palace, and headed phy, now is the time! The south toward India. He was Introduction to next library exhibition, escorted by his loyal entou- Graduate Research featuring materials from rage, and by Khampa warri- THE DEADLINE Workshop both the Tibetan communi- ors. At the time, I was five TO FILE Graduate-level research ty and the GTU archives, years old. I was living in the COMPLETED requires more than basic will run from February 25 Ganden monastery in Tibet, AND APPROVED searching. You will learn to April 3. A docent pro- as a reincarnated Tulku. COPIES OF how to use the GTU li- gram led by Thepo Word of the escape spread THESES/ brary’s online catalog Rinpoche (recognized as quickly. As people through- DISSERTATIONS GRACE to find books and the 8th Thepo Tulku) and a out Tibet learned of the Dala OR other resources, and how cultural event will take Lama's flight, many decided CERTIFICATION to use the ATLA, JSTOR, place in March. More in- to make the perilous choice OF ORAL and 360 Search databases to formation will be forth- to try and follow him to In- EXAMINATION locate full-text journal arti- coming. dia. Some of our monastery FORMS FOR cles or citation infor- elders fled, and they took MABL mation. The workshop is Reading of me along with them to exile CANDIDATES the Sacred Texts in India. I was separated FOR SPRING approximately 1 hour and from my mother and father. GRADUATION IS will be conducted in the The 23rd annual Sacred I never saw them again.” APRIL 6, 4PM. Teaching Lab. Tuesday, Texts Lecture is scheduled February 10, 1 pm for Wednesday, March The lecture begins at 7pm; a Wednesday, 11. Thepo Tulku is the reception precedes the lec- February 18, 11 am featured speaker. A tulku ture at 6:30pm. Both the is a custodian of a specific lecture and reception will In addition, brief additional lineage of teachings in Ti- take place in the GTU Din- instruction can be arranged betan Buddhism who is ner Board Room and are with the Reference Librari- given empowerments and open to the public. an. trained from a young age by students of his predeces- sor.

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 5 PAGE 7

CJS NEWS: THE FRIEDMAN-LOWENTHAL PRIZE

$500 will be awarded to the written outside of CJS. can apply. student with the best Jewish Any registered GTU student Essays must be Studies essay written for a enrolled in a Jewish Studies submitted by Friday, GTU course, including those course in Spring 2015 May 1, 2015.

CENTER FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES: NEWS & EVENTS February 5 – 12 Marcia Falk, and scholars International and Public Affairs from throughout the and the Institute of African Af- CIS Visiting Scholar Carol GTU. Hosted by the Center fairs at Columbia University. Bier will be giving a series of for Jewish Studies and co- Location TBD. workshops and lectures in sponsored by the Center for Dubai, UAE, on geometry Saturday, February 28, 5- Islamic Studies and Center for and Islamic art, to take place 8PM Theology and Natural Scienc- in a city transformed in the es. Location: Easton Hall, Islam & Authors Book Reading late twentieth century – and 2401 Ridge Road, Berkeley, with Dr. Ejaz Naqvi, “The since 2010 site of the world’s CA 94709. Qur’an: With or Against the tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Bible?” Followed by Thursday, February 26, Sunday, February 8, 1PM Q&A. Suggested donation: $10 6PM Adults, $5 Students. Co- Earthlings: Religion in an Age Jazz, Liberation, and the Geo- sponsored by the Center for of Climate Change politics of Malcolm X Islamic Studies. Location: Islam- What is the role of religious ic Cultural Center of Northern Black History Month lecture traditions in the planetary California, 1433 Madison and 50th year commemora- crisis? Join scholars of differ- Street, Oakland, CA 94612. tion of Malcolm X by Dr. ent traditions in a symposium Hisham Aidi, author of Rebel Please stay posted to the CIS on this pressing topic. This Music: Race, Empire, and the website at www.gtu.edu/cis for conference will feature speak- New Muslim Youth Culture more events during Black Histo- ers including Michael Lerner, and lecturer at the School of ry Month.

DSPT EVENT: BEFORE-AND-AFTER FILMS A new film series comprising tion following each screening RSVP required six films that transformed the for those who wish to stay. March 7: The Bicycle Thief art of filmmaking and pushed All screening will take place at (1948) by Vittorio De Sica, its spiritual frontier. the DSPT, 2301 Vine Street, RSVP required Join DSPT Fellow Ron Austin on Saturdays at 7pm. The March 21: The 400 – a Hollywood producer and screenings are free and open to Blows (1959) by François Truf- writer, Academy of Motion all, but RSVPs are required faut, RSVP required Picture Arts and Sciences since space is limited. member, and Writers Guild April 11: The Mirror (1975) February 7: The Passion of lifetime achievement award by Andrei Tarkovsky, RSVP Joan of Arc (1928) by Carl honoree – for screenings of required Theodor Dreyer, RSVP re- these six important films. He quired April 25: Three Colors: will introduce them and ex- Blue (1993) by Krzysztof For more information, plain his reasons for choosing February 21: Grand Illu- please visit: them. Ron will lead conversa- sion (1937) by Jean Renoir, Kieślowski, RSVP required http://www.dspt.edu/ HONORABLE MENTION GRADUATETHEOLOGICAL UNION MA STUDENTS Thesis Successfully Defended Office of the Dean Yong Kook Ko 2400 Ridge Road Berkeley, CA 94709 PHD STUDENTS http://www.gtu.edu Comprehensive Proposal Approved Sean Albrecht, BIBL Phone: 510-649-2440 Michelle Mueller, CHSR Fax: 510-649-1417 Christina Fetherolf, BIBL E-mail: [email protected] Robert Peach, IDS

Oral Comprehensive Exams Passed Meredith Massar, ART

THE DEAN’S NEWSLETTER Advanced to Candidacy The Dean’s Newsletter is for official Susan Aguilar, HIST notices from the GTU Dean’s Office Richetta Najuma Amen, BIBL regarding academic affairs and for Ali Ataie, CHSR announcements of educational events Kresten Froistad-Martin, ETHC (lectures, conferences) focusing on Hyeokil Kwon, SPRT academic research and thus of particular interest to faculty and MA and PhD Oral Dissertation Successfully Defended students. Send submissions to Angela Peter Doebler, ART Muñoz, [email protected]. Izak Y. Lattu, IDS