Summer Colloquy 2023: Religious relations and sound

An elderly woman holds a curved stick with strings (the bow of an instrument). Next to her a white-haired man points to the wooden back of a long-necked musical instrument.
The Šolajas with their family gusle. Nadanići, Bosnia, 2012. Courtesy of Safet HadžiMuhamedović.

This opportunity has now passed. 

Join the Cambridge Interfaith Programme online for six 90-minute sessions on the role of sound in the articulation of religious relations.

Anthropologists, philosophers, musicians and theologians will introduce you to their research of voice, music, poetry, instruments, language, sonic encounters and sacred soundscapes, as well as sound absences and conversions. From northern Africa and central Europe, to the Balkan and Pyrenean peninsulas and South Asia, each session introduces a different case study and its supporting methodology.

Participants will receive access to all the recommended readings. The programme is suitable for students, researchers and practitioners interested in sound and religion.

Colloquy dates

  • Monday 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 July, 13:00–14:30 BST
  • Monday 7 August, 13:00–15:00 BST

Time commitment and time zones

The colloquy will span six Mondays, with 90-minute scheduled sessions on Zoom. The final session will include an extra 30 minutes, to distribute certificates of participation, share information about the Cambridge Interfaith Research Forum, and hear from all participants.

Sessions will begin at 13:00 British Summer Time (GMT+1). This should be equivalent to 08:00 EDT, 14:00 CEST, 17:30 IST and 22:00 AEST.

Participants are expected to attend all timetabled sessions. You should notify us in advance of any issues with this requirement.

Costs

Successful applicants will receive a full fee waiver. There is therefore no charge for participation.

Preparation and requirements

There will be one item of required pre-reading (or listening) before each session. These items will be provided in advance, so that participants have time to read and absorb.

There is no required level of prior knowledge. Participants will be expected to engage with academic (theological, philosophical, anthropological) concepts and theories.

You will need access to a computer and a basic Zoom account.

To apply

Applications open on 26 May. The Application Form will be available to download from this web page.

Spaces are limited. In your application, you should describe succinctly why you are interested in the topic of the colloquy and how you might benefit from participation. The applications of students of interfaith relations and audible religious practices may be prioritised.

Return your completed form by email by 20 June 2023. Forms should be sent to cipcolloquy@divinity.cam.ac.uk.

If there is a very high quantity of applications, the Colloquy may close to new applicants at an earlier date. In such circumstance, we will provide a 24-hour warning via the Cambridge Interfaith Programme’s social media channels and on this website.

Recognition and accreditation

A certificate of attendance will be issued to those participants who attend each session and participate in the discussion. There is no other credit for participation.

Terms and conditions

Make sure to carefully read, understand and accept the Terms & Conditions of the Summer Colloquy 2023 before submitting an application. The Terms & Conditions are published on this website. They outline policies, rules and regulations regarding: Data protection; Data retention; Cancellations by CIP; Dignity policy; Disability policy; Equality and diversity policy; Freedom of speech; Health and safety; Student complaints procedure; CIP admissions complaints and appeals; and Student disciplinary procedure.Â