NSM

Nordisk Midtaustenbulletin
29, oktober 1996

Tema:

Nordisk forskarkurs i islam

Selskapet har nettopp fått beskjed om positivt svar på vår søknad til Nordisk Ministerråd om "nordisk forskarkurs" i 1997. Vi har ikkje begynt å konkretisere opplegget ennå, men ramme-betegnelsen er "Scriptural Islam and social reality". Det vil bli invitert forskarstudentar frå dei nordiske landa, og trulig forelesere frå Norden og utanfrå - alt dette, omfang etc. gjenstår å bestemme. Vi vil trulig prøve å legge seminaret i det sørlige Sverige, kanskje i Lund.

Dette er andre gongen Selskapet har halde eit nordisk forskarkurs, det første var i Oslo i 1991, då temaet var arabisk didaktikk og lingvistikk.

Vi vil informere meire om seminaret i seinare bulletinar. Ansvarlig frå Selskapet side er vår seminar-koordinator, Bjørn Olav Utvik, mailto:b.o.utvik@ easteur-orient.uio.no.

Vi kan også nemne at det er planar om eit nordisk seminar / konferanse om sufisme, trulig ein gong i 1998. Det er eit finsk initiativ, og sidan det er så langt fram i tida er det nok ikkje utforma noen detaljert plan enno. Men stay tuned.

New books

Gail Ramsay,The novels of an Egyptian Romanticist: Yusuf al-Siba'i. Edsbruk, 1996, iv, 264 s.

This doctoral thesis analyzes sixteen novels of al-Sibai (d. 1978), written between 1917-73, placing them first in a historical, political, cultural and literary context. It then tries to discover why these these novels are as popular as they are, in spite of being considered of "lesser literary value". The writer's method of constructing the novels, their thematic content, language and dictation and characters are all brought out. They fall into four main categories, romantic-tragic, fantasy, historical and realistic. In discussing these separately, the study concentrate on social and existential problems discussed in them, traditions on marriage and women as well as politics on Egypt and the Palestine-Israel conflict. It is clear that al-Siba'i was engaged in social criticism, through his romantic and melodramatic form, and that this caught the readers' attention and lead several of the books to be adapted to film and video. [Culled from the abstract]. The defence is 11 October.

Fellowships at Harvard

We have received the following from Harvard's World Religions Centre, who asked us to put it in this bulletin. I assume therefore that they welcome Nordic Islamicate applications:

** Harvard University Center for the Study of World Religions
ANNOUNCES 1997-98 Senior Fellowship

Two characteristics mark the Center. The first is the international scope of its subject matter and constituency. The second mark of the Center is its encouragement of multiple disciplinary approaches toward religious expressions, whether in art, medicine, law, literature, music, economic activity, or cosmological sciences. The overarching goal is to understand the meaning of religion, with sympathetic insight into religious communities, and to analyze with scholarly integrity the role of religion in global perspective.

Each year the Center selects an international group of Fellows who represent a variety of scholarly disciplines, cultures, and complementary research interests. Senior Fellows, usually from abroad, join Fellows chosen from doctoral programs at Harvard University. Center sponsorship may be divided among these research associates in several forms, including the opportunity to reside at the Center, admission to the Director's Seminar, and University library access. Funds are limited and financial sponsorship by the Center, if provided in any form, covers only a small fraction of the expenses facing visiting Center Fellows. Scholars admitted as Fellows need to seek the bulk of their financial support from sources other than the Center.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JANUARY 15, 1997.

All Application Requests and Related Questions should be directed to:

Malgorzata Radziszewska-Hedderick
Coordinator of Educative Planning and Academic Services
Harvard University Center for the Study of World Religions
42 Francis Avenue,
Cambridge, MA 02138
tel. (617) 495-4476, fax (617) 496-5411
mailto:mradzisz@pobox.harvard.edu

Job offerings

Listed below are some job offerings, mainly US, listed in the H-net job guide (http://h-net2.msu.edu/jobs/). They list mainly include offers in History, but also 'other fields in the Humanities and social sciences'). The date of the posting is brackets at the end. We will try to bring these as a regular feature in the coming bulletins, as many US universities will welcome applicans from Europe. Notice however that the offerings are formulated for a US audience.

Arab/Islamic History, American University of Cairo (Egypt)

ARAB/ISLAMIC HISTORY: One definite opening for a historian competent in Arab/Islamic history from the rise of Islam to the 19th century and with a specialization outside Egypt to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Middle East history and a required survey of Arab history. Teaching assignment also includes participation in a general interdisciplinary seminar for undergraduates. M.A. and Ph.D. in appropriate fields required. Excellent command of English and Arabic expected.

The Ph.D. degree is required. AUC particularly seeks applicants with a demonstrated record or strong promise of excellence in teaching. Scholarly/research experience or potential is expected. Appointment may be made at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor rank. All positions require fluency in English, the language of instruction. Normal teaching load is 9 credit hours per semester. Two-year appointment (renewable) beginning September 1997. Rank, salary according to qualifications and experience. For expatriates, housing, round-trip air travel to Egypt, plus schooling for up to two children included. Submit letter of application with curriculum vitae to Dr. Andrew Kerek, Provost, The American University in Cairo, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite CH-517, New York, New York 10017, before November 30, 1996. AUC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (14.10)

History of the Muslim Middle East, U. of Cal., Berkeley

MIDDLE EAST. The University of California at Berkeley expects to make a tenure or tenure-track appointment in the history of the Muslim Middle East (time period, sub-field, and precise geographic region are flexible), beginning fall semester 1997. Rank level is open. Scholars working outside the discipline of History are invited to apply, but only if their research is centrally focused on historical issues. Send a detailed letter of application, c.v., placement file (or its equivalent) to Professor R.E. Zelnik, Chair, Department of History, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-2550. Application deadline is November 11, 1996 (postmark). The University of California is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. (7.10)

Middle East History, University of Central Florida, Orlando

HISTORY: Middle East with an Islamic emphasis. University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL. Fall 1997. Assistant Professor tenure-track position. Ph.D. required or projected for fall of 1997. Salary competitive. Ability to teach at the introductory and advanced levels including World History. Application review begins November 1, and applications must be postmarked by December 9, 1996. UCF is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all search materials are available for public review upon request. Send resume and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Elmar Fetscher, Chair of the Search Committee, History Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-1350. (7.10)

Modern Middle East, University of Michigan-Dearborn

One tenure track position at the assistant professor level. Primary field is the history of the modern Middle East, with a competency to teach the history of Islam. Ph.D. in history by September 1, 1997, or strong evidence of probable award of degree shortly thereafter. Demonstrated potential for and experience in research and teaching as well as ability to bring multicultural perspectives to instructional program. Appointment effective September 1, 1997. Salary competitive. Letter of application to be accompanied by curriculum vitae, dissertation chapter(s) or other writing sample(s), and transcript. Applicants are also to have at least three letters of recommendation submitted. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Contact Professor Elaine Clark, Chair, History Faculty Search Committee, Department of Social Sciences, University of Michigan- Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128-1491. The University of Michigan is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment, and strongly encourages applications from minorities and women. The University of Michigan-Dearborn is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. (21.10)

Middle Eastern or African History, Macalester College (MN)

Visiting Assistant Professor to teach Middle Eastern and/or African History. One-year appointment with the possibility of reappointment for second and third year. Applications received by February 1, 1997 will be given preference.

Macalester, a highly selective, private liberal arts college in Minneapolis/St. Paul, enrolls approximately 1800 students from 48 states and 70 foreign countries. Macalester has a long standing commitment to maintaining a multi-national, multi-ethnic community, and is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer which encourages women and minorities to apply. The college provides significant support to faculty research and all successful candidates will be expected to pursue successful research programs as well as demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate teaching and the college's multicultural and internationalist program of education.

For further information about each position, please contact the Chair of the appropriate department, Macalester College, 1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer (14.10)

Middle East, Wake Forest University (North Carolina)

HISTORY: Middle East. Tenure-track, Asst Prof position to begin August, 1997. Teaching responsibilities include year-long surveys of Middle Eastern or Islamic history, upper-division courses in these fields, and either world or Western civilization. Teaching experience and publication desirable. Ph.D. required by June, 1997. Send letter of application, CV, and dossier including 3 letters of reference and transcript to Alan Williams, Chair, Search Committee, Dept. of History, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, by December 1, 1996. (21.10)

Islamic World, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

History: Islamic World. Assistant Professor, tenure-track position to begin August 1997. Ability to teach Global history surveys, upper-division and graduate courses in area(s) of specialization. Competence in field of Non-Western women advantageous. Ph.D. in hand by August 1997, teaching experience preferred, evidence of research expected. Salary range competitive. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference to Dr. Bruce Kinzer, Chair, Search Committee, Department of History, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403. Priority consideration deadline: December 16, 1996; position will remain open until filled. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. (21.10)

Islamic Studies, New York University

Middle Eastern Studies: New York University, Department of Middle Eastern Studies, Position in Islamic Law and Society. The Department of Middle Eastern Studies at New York University is seeking candidates for a position at open rank in the field of Islamic law and society. The department has strong interdisciplinary interests in history, anthropology, language and literature, and politics and welcomes applications from these disciplines. We are particularly concerned to use the post to develop studies of Islam and society in the modern period (18th-20th centuries). The successful candidate for the position will be expected to teach a range of courses in Islamic studies at both the introductory and advanced levels and to supervise doctoral dissertation research. Ph.D. completed by July 30, 1997 required. Position available September 1, 1997, pending final administrative and budgetary approval. Letters of application, accompanied by a curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation, should be sent to: Chair, Department of Middle Eastern Studies, 50 Washington Square South, New York University, New York, New York 10012. NYU encourages applications from women and members of minority groups. (21.10)

Middle East History, University of Cincinnati, Ohio

MIDDLE EAST. University of Cincinnati. Tenure-track assistant professorship. Research specialization in any facet of Middle East history from A.D. 600 to the present. Teaching responsibilities include general education world civilization courses, survey, upper- level courses, and graduate colloquia in specialty areas. Ph.D. is required by date of appointment; publications and teaching experience are highly desirable. Salary is competitive, and appointment will begin 1 September 1997. The department encourages applications to be completed by 2 December 1996. Please send a letter of application, a c.v., graduate transcripts, and three current letters of reference to Barbara N. Ramusack, Chair, Middle East Search Committee, Dept. of History, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Oh 45221-0373. If available, copies of teaching evaluations and publications may also be sent. Women and minorities are urged to apply. AA/EOE. (14.10)

Middle East, University of Dayton (OH)

MIDDLE EAST: Subject to budgetary approval, the history department of the University of Dayton invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship, beginning fall 1997. Applicants should have as their primary field of research a topic dealing with some aspect of Middle Eastern history. Secondary field in Europe or Asia preferred. A concomitant requirement of the position is a willingness and ability to teach introductory sections of Western civilization and to participate effectively in the unversity's general education program. Candidates should demonstrate a balanced and ongoing commitment to both teaching and research, and have Ph.D. in hand by time of appointment. Send letter of application, c.v., three letters of reference, and copies of all transcripts by December 1, 1996, to Dr. John Heitmann, MEH Search, Department of History, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-1540. The University of Dayton is an AA/EOE. (14.10)

Africa, Xavier University (Ohio)

Africa or Asia (excluding the former Soviet Union)--Xavier University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in the Department of History to begin fall 1997. Faculty responsibilities include research and teaching survey plus advanced undergraduate or occasional M.A. courses in African or Asian History in the modern period. Ph.D. or imminent receipt of doctoral degree required. Preference given for demonstrated ability to teach survey courses. Faculty are expected to be active scholars and excellent teachers. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. Send application letter, c.v., copies of transcript, two letters of reference and other supporting documentation to: Roger Fortin, Department of History, Xavier University, 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207-4444. Preliminary interviews of selected candidates will be conducted at the AHA meeting in January. Xavier University is a Catholic institution in the Jesuit tradition and an equal opportunity employer. All materials must be received by December 6, 1996. Our e-mail address is frickman@admin.xu.edu (21.10)

Africa or Middle East, University of the South, (TN)

Non-western History: The University of the South seeks a specialist in the history of Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia, period of concentration open. One-year appointment as Assistant Professor beginning August 1997. Competitive salary; three-course teaching load each semester. Ph.D. preferred. Candidate must be committed to excellent teaching and should indicate teaching interests. Applications must include CV and three letters of recommendation and should be sent to Harold J. Goldberg, Chair, Department of History, University of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by December 1, 1996. The Department will conduct interviews at the AHA. (14.10)

Conferences

From the MESA, NIAS & DAVO Bulletins

Bergen news

In addition to the telephone list mentioned last time, let us also notice that Bergen has a new assistant professor in Social Anthropology. Anh Nga Longva , previously at the Peace Research Institute in Oslo has taken up a position here. Her main area of interest has been the Gulf region, where she has made studies on migrants to this area from Asia, as well as currently working on Islamist tendencies there. She is available on email as mailto:anh.longva@sosantr.uib.no, telephone 5558 9254 / fax 5558 9260

Other minor corrections: Richard Natvig notes that while working on his current project, he will be at telephone 5558 9439, probably for the rest of this term.

The Centre's new fax number at 5558 9891 is now active and working.

Franske telefonar

Mens vi snakkar om telefonar, dersom noen har tenkt å ringe til Frankrike, merk at dei skifta telefonsystem 18 oktober. Frå eit komplisert og litt ulogisk system med 8 siffer og ulike prefix (16, 1, etc.), gjekk dei over til eit einskaplig system med 10 siffer i alle nummer og ingen area codes, - dvs. 0 + ni siffer som må brukas også i lokalsamtaler (slik som Norge og Danmark nå har).

Når ein ringer inn til Frankrike utanfrå, skal ein bruke berre ei ni sifra etter 0'en. Dette tilsvarer systemet slik det var for Paris, så for nummer i Paris (+33-1-åtte siffer) blir det inga forandring når ein ringer inn til Frankrike. Alle andre stader får eit nytt siffer foran det eksisterande numra, og dette er:

Og altså, Paris-området beheld 1 + åtte siffer. Dersom ein er i Frankrike og skal ringe utanlands, skiftar prefixet frå 19, som det er i dag, til 00, slik dei fleste andre land i Europa også har fått.

Do you want Middle-East related ads?

The following is directed to members of the Nordic Society only (no, not all of you are members: only those who pay money and get Nordic material in the post are members). I have been getting a few letters from booksellers or other commercial firms who ask whether they may send advertisments to our members, on new books on the Middle East or other material which *may* be of interest to Middle East scholars (in the regular, paper, mail).

I have so far been hesitant, but rather negative to such requests. I know that many do not appreciate unsolicited advertisements in the mail, I myself do not. On the other hand, others may want to be informed about books that are being published. I have so far mostly followed the practice that academic non-commercial institutions may get address labels of all or part of the membership for direct mailings, while in special cases (special offers to the members etc.), commercial firms may send us piles of leaflets, which we include in a future mailing from Bergen - of course, somewhat belated, since we have so few paper mailings. The database itself is not given to anyone, now or in the future.

As the issue has come up again - I have in front of me two requests, one from an agent representing Tauris and Westview publisher, the other from the publisher of the British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs and some others - I thought I might ask you, the members, what you think. Do you want to have advertisements from these and similar firms? If I get a resounding yes, I will accept sending them address labels, like we do for academic institutions, but only for firms relating particularly to the Middle East and Islam. If a significant portion of you answer in the negative, I will refer these to our published Directory of Members, from which they may of course at any time type in the addresses they want. Whatever is decided will of neccessity apply to all the membership.

If you have an opinion, please reply by a short email, Yes or No [to receiving this sort of advertisements].

Knut

ps: If you are wondering why I in this bulletin now type email addresses as "mailto:address", it is for the benefit of those who use Eudora 3.0 as mail program. If the address is typed in this format, it becomes a clickable link for them. For the rest of you, the 'real' address is what comes after the mailto: prefix)

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Responsible for this Web page is Knut S. Vikør. Archived 30.10.96