Postdoc project (1.0 fte, 18 mos), University of Groningen
Title: Anchoring National Socialism: The Classical Languages in Germany between 1933 and 1945
(Anchoring Work Package 6: Receptions of Antiquity)
Supervisors
Dr. Bettina Reitz-Joosse (Groningen) and Prof. Dr. Han Lamers (Oslo)
Job description
There is an ever-growing interest in how and why the classical heritage has been instrumentalized by modern political regimes to promote and legitimize their ideological viewpoints and political choices. The project ‘Anchoring the Fascist Revolution’ specifically explores the ways in which the classical languages (Greek and Latin) have been put to the service of Fascism. It is premised on the idea that the use of the classical languages in Fascist regimes can be understood by means of the concept of ‘anchoring’, in that their use served to tie a radical political ideology, advocating profound change, to (a construction of) the ancient past. So far, ‘Anchoring the Fascist Revolution’ (www.anchoring-fascism.com) has been dedicated to the investigation of this phenomenon in the context of Fascist Italy (1922-1943). The study of original Latin texts from this period and of the contemporary discourse about Latin reveals that it could function as the language of Fascist romanità, but also as a modern and a specifically Fascist language, a national and an international language, a (quasi-) religious language, and the language of Italian imperialism.
We would now like to add a comparative perspective to the project. We are searching for a postdoctoral researcher to join our team, in order to investigate whether there are comparable, related or contrasting dynamics to be observed under German National Socialism (1933-1945). (S)he will investigate the role of Latin and/or Ancient Greek as anchoring devices under German National Socialism, designing her/his own research project within these parameters. The research project may for example address one or more of the following topics:
- The study or use of Ancient Greek and/or Latin in National Socialist circles and/or in resistance movements;
- The role and visibility of Latin and/or Ancient Greek in German public culture between 1933 and 1945;
- The changing role of Latin and/or Ancient Greek in the German educational curriculum between 1933 and 1945;
- The role of (the study of) ancient Greek or Roman authors for creating historical narratives of heritage, affinity or cooperation between Greece or Rome and Germany;
- A comparative analysis of the role of Latin and/or Greek under Italian Fascism and German National Socialism.
Candidates for this post-doc position are invited to submit a 1,500 word project proposal addressing one or more of the above-mentioned subject areas or related topics. Besides pursuing her/his own research, the successful candidate will also play an active part in the research team, including student supervision and organisational tasks, and contribute to 'Fascist Latin Texts online’, our digital open access library of Fascist Latin, supported by the University of Oslo.
Host institution
University of Groningen, Faculty of Arts, the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG). For more information see: www.rug.nl/let/ and www.rug.nl/research/icog/. An additional research affiliation with the Department of Philosophy, Classics, and the History of Art and Ideas of the University of Oslo is possible (www.hf.uio.no/ifikk/english/research).
Terms and conditions
PD project, 18 mos (1.0 fte, 38 hrs per week), starting date to be agreed upon, with a preference for March 1, 2021. Initially the employee will receive a one-year contract, with extension for the following 6 months on condition of a positive evaluation. Salary range from € 3.746 to € 5.127 gross per month for a fulltime appointment (pay scale for postdoctoral researcher, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). It is also possible to take up the position in less than 1,0 fte and to extend it in this way.
Groningen University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
Tasks of the postdoc will include:
o Researching, writing and publishing two research papers;
o Assisting in the organization of a workshop and/or a conference;
o Presenting papers at conferences, both in the Netherlands and internationally;
o Contributing to the further development of the online library Fascist Latin Texts;
o Taking part in the life of the Classics Department at Groningen University and participating in the academic community of the national research school OIKOS (especially the research group Classical Receptions and Traditions) and the wider Anchoring Innovation program.
Requirements
o A PhD in a relevant field (e.g. Classics, Ancient History, Modern Cultural History, Classical Reception), held by time of appointment;
o An excellent research and publication record in relation to stage of career;
o Excellent knowledge of ancient Latin and/or Greek;
o Excellent command of English, very good command of German;
o A strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research;
o Some organisational experience.
Diversity
The Anchoring Innovation program is strongly committed to diversity within its team and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.
Information
Enquiries about the position can be addressed to Dr Bettina Reitz-Joosse, B.L.ReitzJoosse@rug.nl. Questions about the procedure can be directed to Dr Suzanne van de Liefvoort, anchoring@let.ru.nl.
Application
In order to be admissible, applications must include the following information (in the same order), in one PDF file (not zipped):
o Cover letter;
o CV, including contact information of two referees;
o Transcript of Records;
o Research proposal of 1500 words, including notes but excluding bibliography;
o Copy of relevant diploma or statement by PhD supervisor confirming that the applicant will hold the required degree at the time of appointment.
Please submit your complete application to Dr Suzanne van de Liefvoort, the coordinator of the Anchoring-programme via anchoring@let.ru.nl before November 1, 2020. Interviews will take place in the week of Nov. 30 - Dec. 4. For candidates living abroad interviews may be held online.