In 2012, PoLAR: Political and Legal Anthropology Review launched the Digital Editorial Fellows (def) Program for graduate students interested in enhancing their knowledge and experience in scholarly electronic communication and publishing. The program is part of an effort to expand the virtual presence of the journal, foster dialogue among members, and continue APLA’s tradition of graduate student mentorship in the field. Working with PoLAR Associate Editor Jennifer Curtis and APLA Webmaster Randi Irwin, fellows develop themes for virtual editions, emergent conversations, and collaboratively create new web-based features and initiatives. We are particularly interested in proposals to develop web-based, free-to-access PoLAR features on themes of justice (for a special issue in May) and authoritarianism (see the Speaking Justice to Power series). At the end of the program, fellows have the opportunity to meet with the journal editors and reflect on the program in relation to their future academic goals.

Program Overview

The official program begins in March of each calendar year, ending with the close of the AAA annual meetings held in November. The program itself follows three modules, the first being an introductory and brainstorming component, the second being a development and implementation phase, and the last being a critical reflection (and commendation!). Fellows, however, are welcome to stay on beyond the first year.

Each module will focus on goals established by the group in consultation with editors of PoLAR: Political and Legal Anthropology Review. A general outline of the program is below:

Introduction and Brainstorming

• Distribute general readings on digital humanities scholarship as well as targeted articles related to archiving, publishing, and digital anthropology/ethnography
• Virtually meet with the Associate Editor and other fellows to discuss general ideas for open-access journal content and complementary web-only content

Development and Implementation

• Develop themes and materials for virtual editions, emergent conversations, Speaking Justice to Power series and any new initiatives
• Delegate specific tasks related to creation and editing of new materials
• Solicit participation from scholars, activists, community members, and other organizations

Critical Reflections

• De-brief and review program achievements and challenges
• Reflect on how it may inform our other work–academic or otherwise
• Share and celebrate!

Application Information

The deadline is February 15, 2019. To apply submit the following application materials to Jennifer Curtis at jennifer.curtis@ed.ac.uk:

• Statement of research interests and proposals for features (1 page)
• Short CV (including contact details for 2 academic references)

Please direct all enquiries or questions to Jennifer Curtis at the above email address. The selected cohort receives notification of selection and introductory materials in late March or earlier.