Monthly Archives: February 2019

CFP deadline extended: Australasian Association for Byzantine Studies Conference

The deadline for proposals for the 20th Australasian Association for Byzantine Studies Conference, with the theme of Dissidence and Persecution in Byzantium, has been extended to 15 February. The conference will take place at Macquarie University, Sydney, July 19-21 2019.

Keynote speakers:
Professor David Olster (University of Kentucky)
Title: The Idolatry of the Jews and the Anti-Judaizing Roots of Seventh- and Early Eighth-Century Iconoclasm
Associate Professor Jitse Dijkstra (University of Ottawa
Title: The Avenging Sword?  Imperial Legislation Against Temples in the Fourth and Fifth Centuries

The Byzantine empire was rarely a stable and harmonious state during its long and eventful history.  It was often in strife with those outside its borders and with those within them, and with so much power invested in its political and ecclesiastical structures it was ready to implode at times.  This could result in persecution and the silencing of dissident voices from various quarters of society.  The mechanisms by which the authorities controlled civil disorder and dissent, as well as discouraging criticism of imperial policies, could be brutal at times.  In what sense was it possible, if at all, to enjoy freedom of speech and action in Byzantium?  Was the law upheld or ignored when vested interests were at stake?  How vulnerable did minorities feel and how conformist was religious belief at the end of the day?  The theme of the conference aims to encourage discussion on a number fronts relating to the use and abuse of power within the history of Byzantium.  Individual papers of 20 mins or panels (3 papers) will be accepted on the following or related themes:

. The rhetoric of persecution in hagiography and historiography

·         Monastic dissidence and dissidents

·         The persecution of minorities

·         Dissension in the military

·         Imperial usurpation and sedition

·         Discourses of violence and tyranny in literature

·         Popular uprisings and civil disobedience

·         Satire and literary subversion

·         Laws relating to prosecution and capital punishment

·         Depictions of persecution in Byzantine art

·         Slavery and manumission

·         The forced baptism of Jews and others

·         Heresy and the imposition of religious orthodoxy

·         The suppression and oppression of women

·         Persecution of philosophers and other intellectuals

·         Anti-pagan policies

·         Forced migrations and resettlements – Manichaeans and Paulicians

·         The liturgical celebration of martyrdom

Abstracts of 500 words should be emailed to the President of AABS, Dr Ken Parry: conference@aabs.org.au by the due date of 15 February 2019.

Panel convenors should outline briefly their theme (100 words), and (a) add all three abstracts to their application, or (b) list the three speakers on their panel with their own abstract, plus (c) nominate a chairperson.  Panelists should indicate clearly the title of their proposed panel if submitting their abstracts individually.

See the conference website for further information.

Postdoctoral fellowships, Society of Renaissance Studies

The Society for Renaissance Studies invites applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowships, which support research in all aspects of Renaissance studies. There will be two Postdoctoral Fellowships awarded in the academic year 2019-20, each worth £9500.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be graduates of British or Irish universities, and currently engaged in full-time research, part-time teaching or independent scholarship.
  • Applicants must either already have been awarded their PhD (from a British or Irish university) no more than five years before 1 October 2019, or have been provisionally awarded their PhD by 31 May 2019, subject to no more than minor corrections. (These corrections must be due to be completed and accepted by the awarding university no later than 1 October 2019, and applicants applying before their PhD has been passed will need to provide evidence of the status of their PhD when applying).
  • In normal circumstances, such Fellowships should not be held in conjunction with a postdoctoral or academic teaching post which is for more than 60% of a full-time post.

Conditions

  • The period of tenure is twelve months from 1 October 2019.
  • Fellows are required to become members of the SRS and will be invited to attend meetings of the Society’s Council.
  • Fellows will be asked to present their findings at the end of the period of award, and to submit a written report for publication in the Society’s Bulletin
  • Fellows must name the Society for Renaissance Studies in their affiliation in any publications and conference papers presenting the research.
  • There are no specific residence requirements for successful applicants taking up a Fellowship.

Applicants should submit a single document by 30 April 2019, giving, in this order:

  • Name and contact details (name, address, email address, telephone number).
  • Project description (covering the research questions, existing debate in the areas, and how the applicant proposes to change this by their research). Maximum 1000 words.
  • A CV (including a brief account of their research to date, publication list, and a statement of their proposed means of financial support during the year of the Fellowship). Maximum 1000 words.
  • Name and contact details (including up-to-date email addresses) of two referees. The Fellowships committee will ask referees to provide references by no later than 31 May 2019. Applicants should ensure that their referees have submitted their references by this date.
  • Proof of the status of the PhD, where not yet awarded, should be submitted as a separate document, where relevant.

Waitangi Tribunal careers: Senior Researcher/Analyst

The Waitangi Tribunal, based in Wellington, New Zealand is currently advertising a Senior Researcher/Analyst role in the Research Services team.

Applications are encouraged from those with broad and in-depth professional and intellectual knowledge of research methodology and a proven track record of delivering complex research assignments. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of, and expertise in, New Zealand history, public policy or law will also be advantageous.

Applications close 15 February, 2019.

For more information see the Ministry of Justice website: https://apply.justice.govt.nz/jobtools/jncustomsearch.viewFullSingle?in_organid=18808&in_jnCounter=223545794

Sydney Medieval and Renaissance Group reception and book launch

Attendees at ANZAMEMS 2019 are invited to an end-of-conference reception hosted by the Sydney Medieval and Renaissance Group.

Launch: AEMA member Sharon Davidson launches her book on the history of the Sydney Medieval and Renaissance Group
Host: John Ward

Medieval nibbles, inspired by recipes in Lorna Sass’ cookbook To the King’s Taste, will be served along with a selection of drinks including Hippocras.

Friday 8 February, 6-7pm
MacLaurin Hall, Quadrangle Building
University of Sydney