Graduate Student

Civics and the Foundations of American Political Life: A Graduate Papers Workshop

Knoxville, TN

September 12 – September 13, 2026

Overview

Join the Institute for Humane Studies for a two-day, in-person graduate papers workshop on “Civics and the Foundations of American Political Life,” hosted in partnership with the Jack Miller Center and the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee. Held in Knoxville, Tennessee on September 11–12, this workshop offers advanced PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty the opportunity to present works in progress and receive detailed, constructive feedback from peers and faculty discussants.

We welcome research engaging the foundations, institutions, and practices of American civic and economic life. This includes work on American political thought, constitutionalism, the history and theory of self-government, political economy, civic education, and related areas that examine the principles and traditions shaping democratic and economic life in the United States.

Participants will deepen their research, engage in substantive discussions, and connect with a community of scholars working across these areas of study. Participants should plan to arrive on September 10 and depart on September 13, with three nights of lodging (September 10–12) provided by IHS. All meals during the workshop will also be provided. In addition, IHS will provide all participants with a $200 honorarium and a travel stipend to offset transportation and travel-related meal expenses.

Expert Panelists

Joshua Dunn (Institute of American Civics, University of Tennessee)

Benjamin Kleinerman (Zavala Program, Baylor University, and School of Civic Leadership, University of Texas at Austin)

Schedule

Thursday, September 11

9:00 AM | Breakfast and Opening Remarks

9:15 AM | Paper Sessions

12:15 PM | Lunch Break

1:15 PM | Paper Sessions / Coffee Breaks

5:00 PM | Closing Remarks

6:00 PM | Closing Dinner