Re-evaluating female monasticism’s “ambiguous identity” in the ninth- to eleventh-century West

This project focuses on the observance and organization of women religious in the central Middle Ages (9th-11th centuries) to investigate female monasticism as a deliberately « ambiguous » form of social and religious organization. Traditional scholarship subscribed to the notion that, because of a failure to adopt homogeneous standards for observance and organization, women religious never matched the spiritual efficiency, cultural proficiency, and reformist impetus of their male peers. While recent case studies have revealed significant achievements in all of these domains, this heterogeneity is still regarded as revealing women religious’ and patrons’ refusal to subordinate local vested interests to institutional, cultural, and spiritual progress. By means of an analysis of evidence from institutions in Lotharingia and Saxony relating to the self-perception of these women and the expectations of their patrons, the researchers will propose a new paradigm for evaluating female monasticism’s « ambiguity ». Two hypotheses will be tested. The first is that groups of women religious relied on ambiguous identities to construct credible narratives of self, respond effectively to changing societal contexts, and distinguish themselves from competing institutions. The second is that religious and secular elites supported these strategies, and regarded diversity in observance and organization as a means for women religious to respond adequately to society’s diverse needs.

This research project is funded by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO).

Professional environment

Medieval studies at Ghent University cover a wide range of subjects and methodological approaches. Intensive exchanges within the Department of History and the Henri Pirenne Institute for Medieval Studies, and with the international academic community, create a stimulating environment for innovative research. Research on the early and central Middle Ages at Ghent University currently focuses on the tenth to early twelfth centuries, with scholars involved in the study of a wide range of subjects including monastic reform, conflict management, commemorative practices, material aspects of communication, and ritual and performance. For more information, see the RESOMA website: http://www.resoma.ugent.be.

Qualifications

The candidate:
– has a Master’s degree in History or a Master’s degree with demonstrable relevance to the study of Medieval History. Students who are currently preparing a master’s thesis and will graduate as a Master in History or a related discipline in 2015 are also welcome to apply;
– has experience with reading and analyzing Latin primary sources of the Middle Ages;
– has active knowledge of English and/or French (one of the latter two is sufficient) and is able to use for the research publications in French, German, and English. He/she is also willing to learn basic Dutch during his/her employment at Ghent University (introductory courses are available);
– is an enthusiastic and inventive team player who is willing to actively contribute to the activities of prof. Steven Vanderputten’s research group.
– is willing to travel abroad for conferences, meetings, etc.;
– is willing to prepare, and finish, a doctoral dissertation as outlined in the project text within four years. The PhD will be supervized by prof. Steven Vanderputten.
– is willing to write and publish at least two high-quality papers prior to submitting the dissertation.

Offer

– A 4-year contract as a full time scientific staff member of the Department of History at Ghent University (scholarship starting from around 1800 euro net./month);
– Extensive opportunties for engaging with national and international research groups;
– A friendly, dynamic environment for research;
– Opportunity to follow an individualized PhD programme at the UGent Doctoral School of Arts, Humanities and Law or the Doctoral School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, including language courses;
– Start of the project: negotiable (earliest starting date: 1 February 2015; last 31 December 2015).

How to apply
If you are interested in joining us, please send a copy of your diploma, your CV and a cover letter describing your interest in the project before 1 January 2015 to Prof. Dr. Steven Vanderputten (Steven.Vanderputten@ugent.be).

More information on the research group and Ghent University:
http://www.resoma.ugent.be
http://ugent.academia.edu/StevenVanderputten
http://www.pirenne.ugent.be/
http://www.ugent.be

Source de l’information : Academia.edu