Junior Research Fellows at the Kierkegaard Summer Institute
Junior Research Fellows at the Kierkegaard Summer Institute join a structured program that fosters advanced research skills, best practices in self-guided study, close reading of primary and secondary texts, and opportunities for peer-based learning. Participants are upper-level undergraduates (rising juniors and seniors), recent college grads, and early-stage graduate students from around the world. Activities include classroom instruction, small reading groups, lectures and workshops, independent research, and production of research outputs. The fellowship includes access to the Kierkegaard Library’s unique collection of resources and paid housing on the beautiful St. Olaf campus.
Participants in the program receive input from Kierkegaard scholars, including tools for interpreting Kierkegaard, direction in navigating secondary literature, and individual mentoring. They also receive training in navigating research databases, including those specific to Kierkegaard studies. And they work in interest-based peer research groups, which include daily close-reading sessions and peer-feedback sessions on research outputs (such as research proposals, bibliographies, and presentations).
Required events also include the Kierkegaard Summer Institute’s internal seminars (scholarly presentations by researchers in residence) and occasional workshops and lectures (by invited Kierkegaard experts). Total scheduled academic activities for Junior Research Fellows vary from 1–4 hours per day/5 days a week. Some optional social activities are also offered. Additionally, participants will have ample time for individual research and reflection.
Expectations
Participants are expected to attend all scheduled activities, maintain a regular presence in the Kierkegaard Library, and produce particular outcomes (e.g., written research proposal, annotated bibliography, and oral research presentation). While the program includes guided activities, a motivation for self-study and the desire to conduct independent research is required. Applicants must also have some previous exposure to Kierkegaard and demonstrate a strong interest in Kierkegaard studies.
Learning Outcomes
The program offers an opportunity to develop and hone skills for conducting scholarly research, as applicable in graduate study (and beyond), as well as in various other post-graduate pursuits. Together in an environment that fosters passionate study, interpretation of texts, and lively discussion, participants learn how to read closely, make maximal use of search-databases and secondary literature, synthesize ideas in a written project description, present research in visual and oral form, and gain confidence in expressing and exchanging views. Many Junior Research Fellows leave the program having gained a clear sense of direction for their future research.
Funding
The Kierkegaard Library covers the cost of on-campus housing. Participants are responsible for all personal expenses, including meals and travel.
Dates
The 2025 Junior Research Fellows program at the Kierkegaard Summer Institute runs from July 8 – July 31.
Applications materials are due by Monday, March 3, 2025.
“If I had to use a single word to describe the KSI Junior Research Fellows program it would be edifying! The community is fantastic, kind, welcoming, and full of fun people who are all passionate about different research. This program helped me find the direction I wanted to go in my own personal research and has helped me build lifelong academic relationships as well as friendships! 10/10 would recommend!”
Angus Mancini-Miller, Saint Mary’s University Canada
“This program gave me more than I expected. I came hoping to gain a lot of new knowledge related to S. Kierkegaard and philosophy in general, and that of course happened. However, I left the summer Junior Research Fellows program with a profound appreciation for Kierkegaard’s The Sickness Unto Death (thanks to our “slow reading” sections) and with lasting friendships formed through our shared intellectual journey.”
Ľubica Pinková, University of Trnava, Slovakia
“I joined the program to further my academic research, attend guest lectures, and engage with like-minded individuals. Spending my summer on campus provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with researchers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. While academic research can sometimes be isolating, KSI cultivates a vibrant academic community that allows work to gain deeper significance. Whether through casual hallway discussions or meetings at local Northfield coffee shops, collaboration is continually encouraged. Also, I had a ton of fun which is always a plus.”
Kaitlyn Kinsch, St Olaf College