During the politicised 1960s, the social 'relevance' of literature and of Literary Studies was asserted but has since been relegated once more to the background by a diversified debate of theories and methods. Particularly in the course of the medial and cultural turns the subject area of Literary Studies has been extended decisively. By focusing on texts of all kinds, films, images, and cultural phenomena like gender roles, fashion, sports, etc., the perspective of Literary Studies has conveyed insights of transdisciplinary significance. Yet, at the same time, Literary Studies has been criticised for jeopardising its distinctiveness as 'literary' within the general field of Cultural Studies. Based on the productive developments in the discipline of the past decades, and with reference to current political issues, the Graduate School promotes debates on and negotiations of the political and social dimensions of Literary Studies.

Application for doctoral programme and scholarships are invited. Deadline 31 May 2010
Format of the (short) application

Applications for the Graduate School must be submitted in written form and have to include:

Proof that the applicant has completed a qualifying course of studies - the degree (MA ; Magister or equivalent)awarded must at least be 2,0 (B) or better (according to § 5, Abs. 1 and 2 of the study regulations); and proof of language abilities according to appendix A (Anhang A) of the study regulations.
Curriculum vitae (without photograph)
A project proposal for the dissertation about 2 pages in length
A letter of motivation explaining the application at the GS PoL

Further information
http://www.uni-muenster.de/Practices-of-Literature/en/Studieren/Bewerbungsverfahren.html
E-mail: gspol@uni-muenster.de