Doyle Seminars are small, upper-level classes that foster dialogue on diversity and difference through student research and co-curricular learning. Doyle Seminars focus on a range of topics addressing critical questions of national, social, cultural, religious, moral, and other forms of difference. The program provides funding for faculty to support learning inside and outside the classroom. Previous seminars have welcomed guest speakers and sponsored class outings around Washington, DC.
Call for Applications
Applications for Spring 2023 Doyle Seminars are now being accepted. Interested professors can review the program specifications and apply by submitting a brief proposal, including the title of their course, preliminary course description, and how they intend to make use of the Doyle Seminar funds via this Google Form. Applications are due November 1.
For Faculty
Doyle Seminars allow Georgetown faculty to deepen learning and dialogue on difference through faculty development, allocated funding, and teaching support. Learn more by exploring the sections on Program Features and Frequently Asked Questions below.
Faculty Development – All Doyle Seminar faculty participate in a faculty workshop designed to equip them with resources on inclusive pedagogy. The faculty workshop helps instructors to think of ways to draw in differing perspectives through experiential learning opportunities such as guest speakers and outside course outings. It also serves as a space for cross-disciplinary collaboration on teaching methods.
Allocated Funding – The Doyle Seminar program provides participating faculty with a grant of $2,000 for course enrichment activities. Past Doyle Seminar faculty applied the funds toward invited guests, outings to local museums or performances, and film screenings, among other activities.
Teaching Support – A Doyle Seminar Graduate Academic Assistant serves all courses and focuses on supporting student research projects. The Berkley Center Director of Student Programs also provides faculty consultations on course preparation and inclusive pedagogy as requested.
Who is eligible to participate in the Doyle Seminar program?
All Georgetown faculty, regardless of tenure or full-time teaching status, are eligible to participate in the Doyle Seminar program.
What disciplines or schools are best suited for a Doyle Seminar?
The Doyle Seminar program is open to all disciplines and schools at Georgetown University. Past seminars have taken place in a wide range of disciplines, from art and anthropology to theatre and theology.
How are faculty selected to participate in the program?
Applications for the program open in the semester prior to that when the course is offered. Faculty who teach a course that engages difference and addresses a diversity of perspectives are encouraged to apply.
Do you have to teach undergraduate students in order to participate?
No! Faculty teaching undergraduate or graduate courses are welcome to apply.
How many Doyle Seminars does the program sponsor each semester?
On average, there are 3 to 5 Doyle Seminars per semester.
For Students
Doyle Seminars allow Georgetown students to deepen learning and dialogue on difference through experiential learning, small class sizes, and research projects. Learn more about Doyle Seminars by exploring the sections on Program Features and Frequently Asked Questions below.
Experiential Learning – Doyle Seminar students benefit from different perspectives offered by guest speakers, outings to local museums or performances, film screenings, and other opportunities. Past students have participated in a wide range of activities, including a medieval music performance, a Chinese tea ceremony, and a trip to the U.S. Supreme Court to watch oral arguments.
Small Class Sizes – All Doyle Seminars are capped at 15 students. The small class size and seminar format encourages close student-faculty collaboration and creates an inclusive space for students to engage in challenging conversations on diversity and difference.
Research Projects – Doyle Seminar students can more deeply explore how forms of difference interact to shape our world through a final research project. Students are given a unique opportunity to develop research skills, guided by faculty and a dedicated Doyle Seminar Graduate Academic Assistant.
Who is eligible to participate in a Doyle Seminar?
The Doyle Seminar program is open to all Georgetown University students. Specific courses in the program, however, may have prerequisites.
Do I have to apply for the Doyle Seminar program?
No! Students register for a Doyle Seminar as they would a regular course. All Doyle Seminars are tagged in MyAccess.
How do Doyle Seminars differ from traditional courses at the university?
Doyle Seminars differ from traditional courses by fostering dialogue on difference through student research and experiential learning. Courses in the program also benefit from additional student research support and funding for co-curricular activities.
Is the Doyle Seminar program only for undergraduate students?
No! Doyle Seminars take place across the university, including at Georgetown Law and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.