Graduate School of North American Studies invites applications for  11 Doctoral Grants

The Graduate School of the John F. Kennedy-Institute for North American Studies invites applications for the academic year 2011/2012. Six academic disciplines in the humanities and social sciences collaborate in offering a structured curriculum. The doctoral program is interdisciplinary in its approach and focuses on those social transformations impacting the United States and Canada at the beginning of the 21st century. Areal of emphasis include domestic and foreign policy, economic development, ethnic identity and relations, as well as recent transformations in media, art, literature, culture, and religion. The language of instruction is English.

Applicants interested in pursuing a doctorate with an emphasis in North American Studies must have a completed degree (M.A. or the equivalent) with above average marks in one of the following disciplines: American Cultural Studies, American Literature, History, Political Science, Sociology and Economics. Grants are awarded for a maximum of three years. Continued funding past the first year is based upon a positive annual evaluation of progress.

Scholarships amount to ca. 1.500 € per month.

It is also possible to apply for admission to the program independently from applying for a stipend. Guest students are welcome to stay for a period of up to one year. Guest students must be self-supporting.

Admissions

The formal requirement for an application is an MA degree (e.g. German Diplom or Magister) in either North American Studies or one of the disciplines represented at the John F. Kennedy Institute (Cultural Studies, Literature, Political Science, History, Sociology, and Economics). The discipline of the dissertation must correspond to the discipline of the MA-degree, or at least be closely related to it. Further information can be obtained at the Graduate School of North American Studies. 

Since all instruction is in English, enrollment in the graduate program requires English language proficiency at an advanced level.

The Graduate School is highly interested in international representation and encourages international students to apply. In order to ensure an equal balance between male and female students, applications by women are particularly encouraged.

The next application deadline is January 31, 2011

Application Materials

Please download your application form here [pdf, 103KB].

Following documents must be submitted:

1. Completed application form.

2. Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose should be in English, no longer than three pages and provide a clear picture of the applicant’s academic and professional background and interests. It should also describe how the interests and future research plans match with the doctoral program of JFK Graduate School and the offerings and expertise of the cooperating partners.

3. Outline of Dissertation Project: Applicants are not expected to have a final dissertation proposal upon application but are asked to send a preliminary outline of a dissertation project. The outline encompasses 10 pages at the maximum and should be written in English. The outline should include a short summary of the subject in question (referring to the state of research and highlighting theoretical and empirical debates on the topic and deficits in the literature that the dissertation would address), objectives and methods of the project as well as a short bibliography of recent research within the given field.
4. A curriculum vitae in English.
5. Two Recent Letters of Reference: Letters of reference should be sent in a sealed envelope along with the application materials. If referees prefer to send letters directly to the program, they should do so before the application deadline. Letters of reference will be accepted in either English or German.
6. Certified Copies of Earned Degrees: Copies of higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, High School Diploma), copies of original university degree (MA, Diplom, Magister or equivalent). If the required university degree has not been completed at the time of the application deadline, provisional material, documenting academic performance and achievement (transcripts outlining grades, test certificates or other credentials) will be accepted. Documentation of the final degree has to be submitted by the end of June. Foreign degree certificates have to be translated into English or German and officially certified.
7. Proof of Language Skills: All applicants who are neither native English speakers nor have earned a degree at an university with English as language of instruction are required to submit certification of their English proficiency: minimum TOEFL scores of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based) and 100 (internet-based) or equivalent minimum CAE (A and B), CPE (A, B, C) or IELTS (7.0) scores. 
   A degree in North American Studies or English Language and Literature, earned at a German University is not sufficient as a proof of English language skills. It will be accepted only if the language of instruction has been 100% English, which has to be confirmed by the University’s administration office. Also, stays/semesters abroad won’t be accepted as a substitute for a language test.
   Foreign students are expected to attain an intermediate level of German by the end of the 3-year program. International students without German proficiency will be offered German language classes at the Dahlem Research School.
8. A Writing Sample (e.g. M.A. / Diplom Thesis, an article or seminar paper): writing samples will be accepted in English and German.

Please do not use staples, folders, portfolios, and sheet protectors.
Rather, simply use a large paper clip or flexi-fastener.
We will only send documents back if you enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. We will confirm receipt of your application by e-mail.

Admission Procedures

Please send your application together with the requested documents untilJanuary 31, 2011 to

Freie Universität Berlin
Graduate School of North American Studies
Dr. Katja Mertin, Managing Director 
Lansstrasse 5-9
14195 Berlin, Germany

Application Deadline : 31 January 2011

Homepage: http://www.jfki.fu-berlin.de/graduateschool/en/index.html

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Posted on 2010-10-31 10:22:50