Archive for January 28th, 2020
Shii News – Academic Items
1.The University of Chicago: The College: Humanities Collegiate Division
Location
Chicago, IL
Open Date
Jan 17, 2020
Deadline
Feb 29, 2020 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Description
The Humanities Collegiate Division at the University of Chicago is accepting applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible Senior Lecturer in its undergraduate program Fundamentals: Issues & Texts. Starting on 1 September 2020, the initial appointment is for one year and renewable for three years upon successful review. In addition to the appointment as Senior Lecturer, the successful candidate will be appointed as Co-Chair of the Fundamentals Program, working under the direction of the Faculty Chair of Fundamentals: Issues & Texts. The regular annual teaching load will be a minimum of 4 courses in the Fundamentals: Issues & Texts program.
The Fundamentals: Issues and Texts program brings undergraduates together with some of UChicago’s most distinguished professors in fields from the humanities and social sciences, representing interests and competencies in both the East and the West and scholarship in matters ancient and modern. This diversity exists within a common agreement about the primacy of fundamental questions and the centrality of important texts and reading them well. Working with a faculty adviser, students develop their own program of study. The Fundamentals program is comprised of 13 courses, a Junior Paper, and the Senior Exam. Further information about the program can be found at: http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/fundamentalsissuesandtexts/#programrequirements, and https://college.uchicago.edu/academics/fundamentals
As Senior Lecturer and Co-Chair of the Fundamentals Program, the successful applicant will regularly teach the Gateway course as well as Texts and Issues courses within the Fundamentals curriculum; conduct the Junior Paper/Project seminar; advise students on course selection, program policy issues, grant/fellowship opportunities; enroll new majors and minors and track their progress through the program; liaise with College Advising regarding the academic progress of majors/minors; aid majors in identifying appropriate faculty advisors for Junior Papers and research projects; coordinate the Senior Exams and dossiers required for BA Honors applications; oversee undergraduate awards; advise students on internships, post-graduate employment, and graduate school applications; plan and organize, in collaboration with the Faculty Chair, the program’s co-curricular events; engage in outreach activities to promote the Fundamentals major and minor; assist the Faculty Chair in the evaluation of the undergraduate curriculum and in the development of new curricular initiatives; maintain, update, and enhance the program’s website; coordinate program faculty meetings, aid the Faculty Chair in preparing the annual report on the program; and work on alumni outreach. Supervision of Junior Papers and Senior Exams of Fundamentals majors may also be required.
A PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline of the humanities or social sciences is required by the start date of the appointment. A strong record of undergraduate teaching at the college or post-secondary level is required. Experience in administration and student advising is desirable.
To apply for this position candidates must submit their application through the University of Chicago’s Interfolio jobs board at http://apply.interfolio.com/73234. Applicants must upload a current curriculum vitae; a cover letter of interest; sample syllabi; a statement of teaching philosophy; and the names and contact information of three references whose recommendation letters may be solicited. Optionally, a teaching dossier and/or course evaluations (if available) may be uploaded.
Application deadline for all required materials is February 29, 2020. Only completed applications will be considered. Please contact Malynne Sternstein, msternst@uchicago.edu, with any questions.
This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.
2. ‘Digital Humanities for Arabic Book History: First Work on Models by the KITAB Project’ by Sarah Bowen Savant (Aga Khan University):
6-8pm, Wednesday 5 February, Room 1.01, Bush House South East Wing, King’s College London
How can computer scientists and historians work together to better understand thehistory of complex written traditions? The Arabic tradition provides an important case at the forefront of this type of research. At present, the KITAB project – a collaboration between historians and computer scientists – has assembled a corpus of 1.5 billion words of Arabic texts and is seeking to understand how transmission practices resulted in a tradition that is both enormous and also hugely intertextual. In this lecture, I will discuss, first, our work to model “text reuse” (meaning, the reuse, in whole or in part, of substantial chunks of texts by later authors). The extensive recycling of texts in new ones explains partly the large size of the Arabic tradition; it is important also for understanding transmission of ideas and the workings of cultural memory broadly. Secondly, I will focus on our work to identify automatically across our texts the isnads, or chains of previous authorities, frequently cited by authors to explain their sources. These chains are important for both interpreting the diffusion of texts and how complex texts came into existence. Oftentimes, our authors tell us precisely how they reused earlier texts, but their explanations are so many, and so complex, that interpreting them without digital methods is nearly impossible. Models help us to capture this information. Through this lecture, therefore, I hope to show the frontiers of what we might learn about one of the world’s richest and most complex written traditions.
Speaker: Sarah Bowen Savant is a Professor at the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations at the Aga Khan University. She is a cultural historian specialising in the Middle East and Iran ca. 600-1500, and is Principal Investigator for the Arabic Digital Humanities project ‘Knowledge, Information Technology and the Arabic Book (KITAB)’ (funded by the European Research Council and the Aga Khan University.
The seminar will be followed by a drinks reception. Attendance is free of charge but as space is limited, please register in advance at: https://modernlanguages.sas.ac.uk/events/event/22132
This series is part of the AHRC-funded Open World Research Initiative, and is supported by OWRI projects Cross-Language Dynamics: Reshaping Community and Language Acts and Worldmaking projects, and by the AHRC Leadership Fellow for Modern Languages (Janice Carruthers). The series is convened by Paul Spence (King’s College London) and Naomi Wells (Institute of Modern Languages Research).
3. Tenure-track Lecturer Position in Arabic Literature
The Department of Arabic Language and Literature at the University of Haifa, Israel, invites applications for a Lecturer (equivalent to Assistant Professor) position to begin October 2021, pending budgetary approval. We welcome applications from candidates specializing in either Modern Arabic Literature, or Classical Arabic Literature. The Department of Arabic Language and Literature and the University of Haifa boast a roster of internationally renowned researchers, and the most ethnically diverse student body of any university in Israel, providing opportunities for academics at all stages of their careers to participate in its dynamic scholarly and pedagogical life. The successful candidate will be expected to teach eight hours per semester. While the language of instruction in the department is Arabic, candidates may teach in English or Hebrew in the first few years if they prefer. Candidates holding a PhD with relevant teaching experience and a strong publication record should submit a cover letter, a CV (including the names of three referees) and a statement of research interests to Mrs. Noya Pearlman (Department’s Coordinator) npearlm1@univ.haifa.ac.il.
Review of applications will begin on April, 1st 2020.
4. AGSIW: Visiting Scholar
https://agsiw.org/job/visiting-scholars/
For more information, contact Mary Casey-Baker, Director of Publications and Digital Media (mary.caseybaker@agsiw.org <mailto:mary.caseybaker@agsiw.org>)
*Position Title*: Visiting Scholar
*Department/Team*: Resident Scholars
*Term*: Fall 2020*Location*: Washington, DC
*About AGSIW:*
The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW), launched in 2015, is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to providing expert research and analysis of the social, economic, and political dimensions of the Gulf Arab states and key neighboring countries and how they affect domestic and foreign policy. AGSIW focuses on issues ranging from politics and security to economics, trade, and business; from social dynamics to civil society and culture. Through programs, publications, and scholarly exchanges the institute seeks to encourage thoughtful debate and inform the U.S. foreign-policy, business, and academic communities regarding this critical geostrategic region.
*About the Candidate*:
Visiting scholars are individuals who possess a PhD or equivalent professional experience. The length of stay for a visiting scholar is typically a semester or academic year. AGSIW is actively seeking candidates with significant regional experience and fluency in written and spoken Arabic. AGSIW will provide a stipend that can be used to cover living expenses, travel costs, or incidental research expenses.
*Responsibilities:*
In addition to conducting an independent research project relevant to AGSIW’s work, visiting scholars are expected to actively contribute to the publications and programs of the institute, and participate in events as a speaker or moderator. Visiting scholars should also provide intellectual leadership on issues of cultural, political, and economic life in the Gulf Arab states.
*How to Apply:*
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, proposed dates of the appointment, and a proposal for a research project that explains its relevance to the work of AGSIW. Non-U.S. citizen/resident applicants should indicate their visa status and potential visa sponsorship during a term at AGSIW.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit applications to jobs@agsiw.org <mailto:jobs@agsiw.org>.
5. Conference: “The Influence of Islam in Politics and Society: Civic Engagement, Social Inclusion and Political Participation”, American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies (ACSIS), Villanova University, PA, 27-28 March 2020
The conference puts particular emphasis on socio-political dimensions of Islam and covers a vast range of topics and areas from Sufism, the so-called apolitical dimension of the faith to economic and financial aspects of Islam, both in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.
Deadline for abstracts extended until 1 February 2020.
Information: https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/publications/jsames/acsis/conference.html
6. Interdisciplinary Graduate Conference: “Decolonial Histories: Imperialism, Resistance, and Liberation”, Stony Brook University, New York, 24 April 2020
The conference will focus on the experiences and transnational connections of colonialism, decolonial resistance, liberation movements, and related subjects. Graduate students from across the world will engage with innovative scholarship from multiple disciplines, and receive feedback from fellow students as well as established scholars.
Deadline for abstracts: 31 January 2020.
7. 6th Student Conference on “Global Histories“, Humboldt University and Freie Universtität Berlin, 22-23 May 2020
This conference targets relations, flows and actors that challenge the assumption of the nation state and calls attention to the importance of transnational connections and their influence in the past. Some financial support for transport is availble to participants.
Deadline for abstracts: 3 February 2020.
Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TesocErR1f9W61yqYjUVFY0VEyD53ZsY/view
8. 4th International Conference on Kurdish Studies, University of Exeter, 18-20 June 2020
Thematic areas include Kurdish literature, women’s participation in politics, cultural production, history, political international relations, governance, civil society, civil rights, diplomacy, conflict and democratization, forced displacement, internal and external interference, internal colonialization and rewriting Kurdish history.
Deadline for abstracts: 31 January 2020. Information: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/events/details/index.php?event=9969&fbclid=IwAR2VN-1Rxp8E0ZIP31tpDgSRW7CxDgNAXxHktMZEQQtYFG8_NaBlkQln5w
9. Research Fellowship in the Study of the Islamic World, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
The successful candidate will be engaged in research and publication in any area of the arts, humanities or social sciences which contributes to a more informed understanding of the Islamic world – its history, economics, politics, culture, civilisation and contemporary life. The fellowship is tenable from October 2020 for three years.
Deadline for applications: 24 March 2020. Information: https://www.oxcis.ac.uk/sites/www.oxcis.ac.uk/files/inline-files/Research%20Fellowship.pdf
10. Aarhus University – Teaching Associate Professorship in Arabic
The teaching associate professorship is a permanent position dedicated to full-time teaching, including professional development. The appointment begins on 1 September 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. Requirements: Master’s degree in teaching Arabic as a foreign language or in Arabic; fluency in Arabic; relevant experience of teaching MSA and Arabic dialects at all levels; experience in teaching in English or a Scandinavian language.
Deadline for applications: 19 February 2020. Information: https://www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=59825
11. Faculty Position in Islamic History, Habib University, Karachi
Specialization may be in any period or region of the Islamic world and/or Muslim communities elsewhere in the world including the Americas, Africa, and the Black Diaspora. The ability to teach Islamic Intellectual History in a comparative and global vein will be a plus. Depending on credentials and experience, candidates will be considered at the rank of Lecturer, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor as appropriate.
Deadline for applications: 16 April 2020. Information: https://www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=59824
12. Assistant Professor of Human Rights in the Middle East & North Africa, University of Arizona
Candidates will be expected to have a PhD in a field represented in the UA College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS); exceptional ABD applicants nearing completion will also be considered. The position has a preferred focus on Egypt, North Africa, or Turkey, although applications from specialists in any area of the Middle East and North Africa are welcome and will receive full consideration. This position requires the ability to design and teach undergraduate and graduate courses and mentor students; and occasional domestic and foreign travel for meetings, seminars, and conferences.
Deadline for applications: 15 April 2020. Infromation: https://www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=59822
13. Training School: “Islamic Heritage in Europe“, Palermo, 28-29 May 2020
This is initiated by the project „Islamic Legacy: Narratives East, West, South, North of the Mediterranean (1350-1750)“ in order to create a network that will provide a comprehensive understanding of past relations between Christianity and Islam in the European context through the addressing of three main research problems: otherness, migration and borders.
Deadline for applications: 7 February 2020.
Information: https://mailchi.mp/mediterraneanseminar/call-islamic-heritage-in-europe-28-29-may-palermo?e=82aeb6c61d
14. Summer School Languages Program: Modern Turkish, Ottoman Turkish, Arabic, and Persian, Ibn Khaldun University Süleymaniye Complex, Istanbul, 8 June – 24 July 2020
This programme offers intensive language instruction for international students and professionals. This is a full Summer Term that over seven weeks offers twice the transferable credits as a regular 14-week semester. A wholly immersive experience is designed to comprise co-curricular and extra-curricular activities such as conversation tables and study hours; seminars by top scholars on Turkish history, politics, literature, and art; cultural events, movie screenings, and field trips to historical sites and archives.
Application deadline: 31 March 2020.
15. Contributions to Journal “Muqarnas: An Annual on the Visual Cultures of the Islamic World“, Volume 38, 2021
Muqarnas is a scholarly journal that publishes articles on art and all aspects of Islamic visual and material cultures, historical and contemporary. Full-length articles are accompanied by shorter submissions grouped under a separate section titled “Notes and Sources,” for which we particularly welcome studies that introduce textual and visual primary sources.
Deadline for submissions: 1 March 2020.
16. Open Access Newspaper Archive: The Iraq Times (1948-1964)
https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/mena/?a=p&p=publication&sp=iraq
17. Call for papers for prearranged panel on
The Role of Photoportraits in Islamic Funerary Traditions
(Deadline February 15th, 2020)
For presentation in
The Arts and Archaeology of Funerary Cultures in Islam
16th Colloquium of the Ernst Herzfeld-Gesellschaft | Ernst Herzfeld Society
Rome, Sapienza University, July 2-4, 2020
The theological objections to figurative visual art have been active from the early periods in the history of Islam and have successfully prohibited the entrance of visual representations of human beings into any part of the religious life of the Muslim communities. To many observers, visualization and seeing are central to the recollection of holiness and saintly power; to the dissemination of religious knowledge; to the transformation of emotions; to cultic behaviour; and to the understanding of ethical values and spiritual experiences. Therefore, there are complex relationships between the visual, the unseen and Islamic aesthetical practices and sensory experiences (Khosronejad 2019, 182-3).
Like other societies, also among Islamic lands and Muslim communities, since the advent of photography, photoportraits are not only being used for immortalising the dead; they are also being used as religious material culture and devotional devices for evoking the gaze of mourners, devotees and pilgrims. Today, in all private, public or institutional Islamic funeral ceremonies and rituals, and also in cemeteries, shrines and mortuary sanctuaries, we observe the usage of photoportraits of the deceased. These mortuary visual arts and funerary material cultures are being used as temporary posters or flyers use in death rituals and ceremonies, imbedded in tombstones or installed on top of them, or being hung as framed pictures on the wall of shrines or private family funerary chambers.
In this panel, with the help of interdisciplinary research methods, we aim to discuss and study the different meaning(s) and diverse function(s) of photoportraits of the deceased (ordinary people, martyrs, Sufi masters, saints and the Prophet Mohammad) in the context of death and dying among Muslim communities and devotees. Topics of interest may include but are not limited to:
- Photoportraits of the Prophet Mohammad and Saints as visual devotional devices in funerary chambers and shrines,
- The role of photoportraits of Muslim martyrs of contemporary conflicts in the construction of mortuary landscapes, sacred sites and material religion: shrines, memorials, cemeteries, and tombstones,
- The usage of photoportraits of martyrs in the creation and the development of the culture of death and dying among Muslim communities: funerary art objects and devotional devices, pilgrimage souvenirs, etc.,
- The usage of photoportraits of the deceased and martyrs in the creation of temporary and secondary shrines in private (homes, military spaces, etc.) and public places (museums, exhibitions, memorials, warfronts, etc.).
Please submit a title, an abstract of no more than 500 words presenting your topic (including five keywords), and your academic affiliation by Feb. 15th, 2020 to Dr. Pedram Khosronejad, Religion and Society Research Cluster, Western Sydney University, Sydney (P.Khosronejad@westernsydney.edu.au). Speakers will be in charge of their full costs including travel, accommodation and the membership fee.
For the general information regarding the main program, please visit:
https://ernst-herzfeld-gesellschaft.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Aktuell_EHG16-CFP.pdf
Used reference:
Khosronejad, Pedram, “The Ahl‐I Beyt Bodies: the mural painting of Lahijan in the tradition of Persian Shiite figurations,” in Figuration and Sensation in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, eds. Birgit Meyer and Terje Stordalen (2019, London: Bloomsbury), 172‐184.
18. Mosques, the Congregation and Anglophone Islam
By Abdul-Azim Ahmed, Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK
There are currently somewhere in the region of 2000 mosques in Britain, with many more being established every year, and those that are established, growing and expanding in size. The importance of the mosque to British Muslims, and the role of the congregation in establishing and maintaining them, is an unexplored aspect of contemporary Islamic studies. In this lecture, Abdul-Azim Ahmed explores the role of the Muslim congregation in Britain, and more widely, within Anglophone Islam, as a means of doing and producing religion together.
Speaker
Dr Abdul-Azim Ahmedis Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK. His doctoral study was an ethnography of a British mosque, exploring the everyday, rhythm, and sacred space. He is continuing his research, but focusing on the prominence of the congregation amongst Muslims in diaspora, and its relationship to an emerging category, that of Anglophone Islam. He has also previously worked in the third-sector in Wales, managing a youth work project and undertaking policy research.
Organiser
Jonas Otterbeck, Professor of Islamic Studies, Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations.
Time and Venue
Wednesday 5 February 2020, 18.00-19.30
Atrium Conference Room,
Aga Khan Centre,
10 Handyside Street,
London N1C 4DN
Booking
This event is free but booking is essential:
To attend in person, please click here.
To attend online, please click here.
- January 28, 2020
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment