Bucerius Seminar: American History and American Archives
A Summer Course for Historians in the United States,
September 4-16, 2006
With generous support from the ZEIT Foundation, the German Historical Institute in Washington, together with the University of Chicago’s Department of History and the Free University of Berlin’s John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies, can once again offer a summer archive course for historians in the United States. Ph.D. students in American history at the University of Chicago may apply, as may students from German universities.
The "Bucerius Seminar: American History and American Archives" familiarizes participants with American research facilities (archives and libraries), provides a forum to discuss research methods and exchange practical tips, and helps prepare students for their dissertation research in the United States. Sessions will take place in archives and libraries in Washington, Boston, Chicago, and Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to major national institutions like the National Archives and the Library of Congress, the program introduces students to wide range of research facilities and collections (e.g. a county court archive, university archives, the Newberry Library, state archives, and a presidential library). The seminar will not focus exclusively on written or printed sources. Participants will also be introduced to the study of maps, cartoons, photos, film, and sound recordings.
Applicants must be graduate students in the Department of History at the University of Chicago or Doktoranden at a German university. The main focus of their dissertation project must be American history and must require the consultation of source material in archives and research libraries in the United States. Preference will be given to those who have already chosen a dissertation topic or already written a dissertation proposal, but have not yet embarked on actual research (ABD). German Postdoktoranden or Habilitanden may apply if their new project concerns American history and if they have not done research in that field before. Successful candidates must have a very good knowledge of written and spoken English. All official parts of the program will be conducted in English.
A complete application (German or English) consists of:
(1) a cover letter that outlines the need for participation
(2) a curriculum vitae
(3) a dissertation/research proposal (not more than 5 pages)
(4) a letter from the adviser.
Travel expenses (flights and accommodation) will be covered. In addition participants will receive a small per diem stipend.
The deadline for submission is March 31, 2006.
All applicants will be notified by early June.
Send application materials to:
Bucerius Archives Seminar
German Historical Institute
1607 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009-2562
USA
b.thomas@ghi-dc.org
For more information contact:
Dr. Andreas Etges
John. F. Kennedy-Institut für Nordamerikastudien
Abt. Geschichte
Freie Universität Berlin
Lansstr. 7-9
14195 Berlin
Germany
Tel. 01149-30-838-52874; Fax -52873