Giessen University's International PhD Programme “Literary and Cultural Studies” (IPP) offers a three-year structured PhD-programme in the Study of Literature and Culture. With its excellent research environment and the intensive personal support it provides, the IPP offers doctoral researchers optimum conditions for their PhD-projects and custom-made preparation for the time thereafter, both with regard to academic and non-academic careers. The IPP invites applications for one of

up to 12 PhD membership

The programme period for new members begins October 1st, 2014. The IPP offers a clearly structured and research-oriented three-year doctoral programme of high academic standard. Its curriculum is tailored to suit the needs of national and international postgraduate students and facilitates the completion of the doctoral degree within three years, while at the same time ensuring the academic quality of the PhD. Participating departments include English and American Studies, German Studies, Romance Studies, Slavic Studies, Comparative Literary Studies and Theatre Studies. The languages of instruction are English and German.

The IPP constitutes an international meeting point for postgraduate students and scholars of diverse academic backgrounds and has thus established a lively context for stimulating academic debates. It is committed to cutting edge research in four key areas in the field of Literary and Cultural Studies: Literary and Cultural Theory | Genre Theory | Literary and Cultural Historiography | Comparative and Interdisciplinary Issues.

As a member of the IPP, you are entitled to:

- participate in the IPP’s curriculum and the GGK/GCSC study programme, which consists of a wide range of courses tailored to suit your needs, including biweekly graduate colloquia, workshops, master classes with top ranking international scholars as well as courses offered by the GGK/GCSC Career Service and the GCSC Teaching Centre;

- apply for travel grants for research and conference trips;

- receive support and guidance in all matters relating to the PhD throughout your membership;

- benefit from excellent opportunities to gain international conference, publishing and teaching experience;

- pursue independent research in the GGK junior research and working groups;

- rely on expert scholarship advice, helping you to secure funding for your postgraduate studies.

Eligibility:

Applicants need to hold a university degree in literary or cultural studies with a G.P.A. well above average (international degrees must be equivalent to German 'Diplom', 'Magister', 'Master' or 'Erstes Staatsexamen' degrees). Any postgraduate student in the faculty of Language, Literature and Culture may apply for a membership in the IPP as long as their research project is relevant to the IPP profile. An international research perspective i.e. international study experience is an advantage.

Application procedure and deadline:

The main selection criteria are the candidates’ academic qualifications, the academic quality of the research proposal and the suitability of the project for the IPP’s research programme.

If you are interested in applying to the IPP, then submit the following documents:

- a covering letter stating your motivation for applying to the IPP

- curriculum vitae with a detailed description of your academic profile

- authenticated copies of all relevant school-leaving / university entrance certificates and university degree certificates (including transcripts of records)

- one bound copy of your diploma/MA thesis

- at least one letter of reference from a university teacher providing information about your academic qualifications

- an outline of the dissertation project of no more than 10 pages as well as an indication of the time-frame envisaged for the completion of the project

Please find all information about the application process on our website ipp.uni-giessen.de. For further information, please contact the IPP coordinator, Dr. Christine Schwanecke, via ipp@ggk.uni-giessen.de.

The application deadline is February 3rd, 2014 (postal date). All applications have to be submitted via post. Applications should be addressed to the academic director of the IPP:

Prof. Dr. Ansgar Nünning

International PhD Programme (IPP) "Literary and Cultural Studies"

Giessen Graduate School for the Humanities (GGK)

Justus Liebig University Giessen

Alter Steinbacher Weg 38

35394 Giessen

Germany