from 1 September 2017, the Roosevelt Institute for American Studies will be awarding several four-year scholarships to complete a PhD in American History / American Studies.
The Roosevelt Institute
The Roosevelt Institute was previously the Roosevelt Study Center, which was established in 1986 to facilitate and promote the study of American history. As of 1 January 2017, the Center was renamed the Roosevelt Institute for American Studies. The RIAS possesses an archive and library covering 20th century US history, politics, and culture, and regularly hosts conferences, seminars and workshops on subjects in this field.
The research profile of the RIAS is structured around the idea of the ‘Rooseveltian Century,’ a broadly-based concept that contrasts with similar, but more established models of historical interpretation such as the Wilsonian or American Century. This does not represent a simple collective biography of the three main Roosevelts of the 20th century (Theodore, Eleanor, and Franklin) – it is instead a historical frame through which US history, and US relations with the rest of the world, can be interpreted.
In terms of domestic politics this refers to changing state-citizen relations whereby the state is an active arbiter of the socio-economic environment, promoting social justice. With regard to foreign policy, it covers the changing role of the United States in the world and its unique position as a provider of global public goods. In short, the Rooseveltian Century refers to progressive change, on both national and international levels, as a theme in American history.
Since it is a novel concept, the RIAS is developing a research agenda that looks to test its efficacy and its limits as a credible frame for historical analysis.
The PhD scholarships will be awarded to PhD students with a focus on either:
1) the domestic dimensions of the Rooseveltian Century: US political developments, the role of government, the relevance of the media, state-citizen relations, domestic security, religion, gender and race relations, civil rights, the environment, science, popular culture.
Or:
2) the international dimensions of the Rooseveltian Century: US foreign relations and ambitions, international organisations, hemispheric and regional relations, empire, transatlantic relations, military capabilities and global security, international law, soft power and public diplomacy, trade and finance.
Candidates are invited to apply with a proposal within one of the two categories.
Key responsibilities
- Writing a dissertation in English within four years
- Submitting research results for publication with international peer-reviewed academic journals
- Presenting papers at conferences and workshops
- Co-organizing conferences and workshops at the RIAS
- Participation in the PhD seminars organized by the RIAS
Selection criteria
- (Research) Master’s degree in History, American Studies, or International Relations.
- Written and spoken fluency in English.
- Demonstrable interest in the research program of the RIAS. A PhD project should convincingly engage with the theme of the Rooseveltian Century.
- Willingness to work in an international academic community that aspires to the highest levels of scholarly excellence.
Terms and conditions
The successful candidates will receive a scholarship of €2,100 gross per month. They will be required to be resident in Middelburg. Each candidate will initially be offered a scholarship of one year, and prolongation of the scholarship for a further three years is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year. In the second or third year there may be opportunities for a semester abroad at either the London School of Economics or SciencesPo, Paris.
Each candidate will need to fulfil a Research Development Plan as part of the requirements for the PhD programme. The RIAS will make use of the regulations for attaining a PhD as used by Leiden University. Leiden University will be the awarding institution for the PhD.
The scholarship’s conditions require that all candidates must either be from an EU member state or have a resident status in the Netherlands.
The starting date is 1 November 2017.
Diversity
RIAS is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.
Information
For more information, please check or webpage at https://www.roosevelt.nl/graduate-school/phd-scholarships or contact Prof. dr. Giles Scott-Smith, Academic Director, Roosevelt Institute for American Studies: g.scott-smith@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Applications
Letters of application should be submitted in English and include:
- A cover letter
- An outline for a project connected with a Rooseveltian Century theme, including a research question and brief historiographical framework (maximum number of words 1500)
- Curriculum vitae and a list of publications (if applicable)
- A copy of a completed (research) MA thesis, including the grade (in the Dutch system, an 8 or higher will be preferred)
- Proof of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers or those without an undergraduate degree obtained in The Netherlands or an English-speaking country (IELTS 7.0 or lower will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, e.g. in the case of other compensatory factors such as unique experience and expertise)
- Details of two referees (with full postal addresses, telephone numbers and emails). Referees will be contacted directly by the search committee.
Please send all application materials electronically to: rias@zeeland.nl before Monday 4 September 2017 (12.00 hours). All requested documents should be sent in PDF format, with one PDF with all the documents listed above excluding the MA thesis, and a separate PDF with the thesis. The PDF’s should be titled ‘PhD + family name applicant’ and ‘MA Thesis + family name applicant’.
The search committee will interview short-listed candidates during the week of 25 September at the RIAS in Middelburg (candidates will receive an invitation by Friday 15 September at the latest). The committee will take a final decision during the week of 2 October 2017.
