This seminar takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race, sexuality, and gender in the 20th century U.S. city. Although focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, the class adopts an expansive understanding of marginalized genders and sexualities to include a range of identities and experiences outside of dominant racialized concepts of heterosexuality. Possible topics include queer theories about visibility and identity; histories of Progressive-era urban reforms, the Great Migration, and pre-Stonewall sexual minority communities; debates about the Moynihan Report and “culture of poverty” theories; historical and contemporary LGBT and queer social movements; public sex, gentrification, street safety, and the politics of violence; and everyday nightlife, performance, and cultural production. The class will also cover key methods in LGBT and queer studies (historical, ethnographic, and discourse analysis); site visits to LGBT/queer archives and historic locations; and discussions of different pedagogical practices common in LGBT/queer studies classrooms.
When & Where
Seminar Schedule. Seminars run Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a midday communal lunch. Seminar conveners may adjust the class schedule in response to participant needs. Special events may also be held during the week. Participants are required to attend the full week of seminar meetings and maintain 90% attendance overall.
Seminar Materials. Eligible participants are provided with all required seminar materials (books, articles, laboratory equipment, and entrance fees).
Accommodations & Meals. Limited housing accommodations are provided to participants who live more than 50 miles from the program site. All admitted participants are provided with some meals during the program period.
Application Procedure. Applicants should submit the completed application along with all of the following:
- A statement of intent that indicates how the seminar participant will apply what is learned at the home institution
- A current CV
- A letter of support from either the division dean or department head, who is well-acquainted with the applicant’s area of research
- Their institutional liaison officer’s approval
Please note that applicants may apply to either the week-long Network Summer series or one of the summer visiting scholar programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large are the seminars?
Seminars typically have between 10 and 25 participants, depending on the popularity of the seminar, number of seminar conveners, and available facilities.
Where does the Network Summer program take place?
The FRN Network Summer program is hosted at New York University on the Washington Square campus located in New York City (Manhattan). Specific classroom locations are provided prior to arrival.
When can I expect to receive notification on my application status?
Applicants receive email notification on the status of their Network Summer application in early April.
Do I need to register with the FRN?
Yes, registration is required and you will not be allowed into campus buildings unless you have an FRN-issued name badge. Registration details are provided to participants upon acceptance to the program.
What is the cancellation procedure for this program?
Participant cancellations received after the communicated and posted deadline will incur a $500 cancellation fee. In addition, you may be asked to return any program-related materials provided by the Faculty Resource Network.
Do I need to have access to email?
Yes, participants need to have an active email account. We will frequently contact you via email with information related to the seminar.
What mailings may I expect to receive?
Each candidate will receive an acceptance or waitlist email, an email with information on housing arrangements, an email about accessing electronic course materials, and additional emails as necessary.
I haven’t received any emails from your office. What should I do?
Please contact the FRN at frn@nyu.edu or 212-998-2090 to confirm that the email address we have on file for you is correct.
Will I have computer access?
It is recommended that you bring a laptop to use during your stay.
Will I have internet access?
Yes, internet guest access will be provided to participants for the duration of the program period.
Will I have access to campus libraries as a participant?
Library access may only be granted if your seminar requires library access as part of the course objectives. Otherwise, library access will not be granted to participants.
Will I have access to hard copies of the readings published on the electronic course materials site?
Hard copy versions of materials on the electronic course materials site will not be provided. We recommend that participants print and bring all articles available on the electronic course materials site for your seminar if helpful.
Do I need to make my own travel arrangements?
Yes, participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements. The Faculty Resource Network does not subsidize travel.
How do I get to the NYU campus?
Visit the NYU website for comprehensive information on how to reach NYU by air, train, bus and subway.
I will be driving to New York City. Where can I park?
On-street parking is extremely difficult in New York City. Commercial parking garages are available in the NYU vicinity. You may inquire about daily and weekly prices by calling them directly. The NYU website has a comprehensive list of neighborhood parking garages. Unless you will need your car for a specific purpose, we recommend that you leave your car at home, and consider using public transportation within the city.
What are the COVID requirements for travel to New York City and the NYU campus?
All members of the NYU community – students, faculty, employees, vendors, affiliates, and visitors – are required to be up-to-date on their COVID vaccinations, including a booster if eligible. Participants will be required to upload proof of vaccination to NYU’s portal, and to have that documentation accepted by NYU.
Fully vaccinated people do not need to test before traveling, although they are encouraged to do so. All COVID protocols are subject to change based on NYU guidelines and New York City and State mandates.
What housing accommodations are available?
The FRN provides housing to eligible participants in a student campus dorm, including single-bedroom accommodations within a shared two-person suite. Participants may choose their suitemate or have one randomly assigned based on gender. Participants are not required to stay in campus housing and may consider making their own housing arrangements. Off-campus housing, including hotels and short-term rentals, is not subsidized by the FRN and will be an expense incurred by the participant. It is recommended that participants choose an off-campus housing option that is within four miles of NYU’s Washington Square campus (zip codes 10003 and 10012).
Who is eligible for NYU campus housing?
Housing accommodations are provided for participants who reside more than 50 miles from NYU’s Washington Square Campus in New York City.
Participants living within 50 miles who wish to reside on campus may arrange housing accommodations, upon payment of a fee, by contacting the FRN office for more information and to check on housing availability.
Can my family stay with me in my NYU residence?
NYU housing policy explicitly forbids anyone other than the FRN participant from occupying NYU residential housing. No exceptions are made and the policy is strictly enforced.
Family and friends may find reasonably priced accommodations at a number of hotels and bed & breakfasts in or close to Greenwich Village. The FRN does not specifically recommend any hotels.
Can I extend my stay past the end of June?
NYU’s residence facilities are fully booked by conferences and seminars during the summer. It is not possible to extend your stay beyond the dates specified in the acceptance letter.
Does NYU provide health insurance / medical coverage during my residency?
No. Medical coverage is the responsibility of each individual participant. We encourage participants to check with their insurance company on policies regarding medical emergencies while away from home.
Will I have phone service in my room?
No. We recommend that you bring a cell phone for use during your stay.
Will I have voicemail in my room?
No. The rooms are not equipped with voicemail.
If I need to receive mail or a fax, what address can I use?
Mail and faxes for participants may be sent to the FRN at 212-995-4101, and may be retrieved from the FRN office during regular business hours. Please keep in mind that FRN staff will have limited contact with the office during Network Summer program week.
What personal items should I bring with me to NYU’s residence hall?
Each room will be provided with a linen packet containing a sheet, blanket, and towel. For your comfort, we recommend you bring your own extra-long twin sheet, towel, hangers, alarm clock, toiletries, and personal belongings for the week. Rooms are not equipped with amenities and are air-conditioned.
Will I have access to the NYU gym?
NYU gyms are not open to short-term visitors. A number of commercial gyms are available in the neighborhood, each offering access for a day or week at a given rate.
Which meals are provided, and which do I need to provide?
The FRN provides lunch each day of the seminar week, Monday–Friday. Dinner is not provided. Those in housing may receive breakfast as part of their residency, Monday–Friday.