Archival Summer Seminar in Germany 2013 Print
Seminar in Germany: June 16 - June 29, 2013
Conveners: Clelia Caruso (GHI)

Call for Applications

The Archival Summer Seminar, organized by the German Historical Institute, is a two-week program for advanced graduate students in German historical studies. The program trains participants to read old German script, familiarizes them with German research facilities (archives and libraries), provides a forum for discussing research methods, and helps prepare them for their prospective dissertation research trips to Germany.

Potential applicants should note that the program is exploratory in nature and should not be considered a pre-dissertation research grant; participants will have only limited opportunity to do their own work. We hope that participants will gain an appreciation for the various kinds of archives and special collections located in Germany, either for future reference or for their general edification as scholars of German culture, history, and society. Of course, students are welcome to extend their stay in Germany to do their own exploration and/or preliminary research after the tour ends.

Applicants must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a North American institution of higher education. The program seeks qualified applicants interested in historical studies in a broad range of fields (art history, history, literature, musicology, etc.). The program is open for advanced graduate students whose projects require that they consult source material in German archives and research libraries as well as handwritten materials in old German script. Preference will be given to those who have already chosen a dissertation topic, have already written a dissertation proposal, but have not yet embarked on actual research (ABD). Prospective candidates must have excellent knowledge of written and spoken German. All parts of the program will be conducted in German. The organizers will evaluate applicants' German proficiency by telephone interview before participants are selected.

A complete application consists of:
  • a cover letter that outlines the candidate's motivation to participate;
  • a curriculum vitae;
  • a dissertation proposal (4-8 pages), and
  • a letter from the doctoral adviser.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials via e-mail. Advisors' letters can be sent directly, by mail (postal address below) or by e-mail, to Clelia Caruso at the GHI.

The application deadline is January 31, 2013. All applicants will be notified by March 15, 2013.

Address:
- Attn: Archival Summer Seminar -
German Historical Institute Washington DC
1607 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington DC 20009

Print version (pdf)