Call for Applications | LUCIS Summer School 2022 | Philology and Manuscripts from the Muslim World

About the summer school

The Leiden University Centre for the Study of Islam and Society (LUCIS) will offer its fourth Summer School on Philology and Manuscripts from the Muslim World from 23 August to 2 September 2022, with lectures by experts, practical classes, and hands-on experience with manuscripts from Leiden University’s famous collection of oriental manuscripts.

This Summer School is for graduate (MA and PhD) students and researchers with an interest in handwritten sources, text editing, and the manuscript tradition in the Muslim world. Over the course of two weeks, specialists from Leiden University and beyond will provide theoretical instruction on issues of editing, paleography, conservation, and other material aspects of oriental manuscripts. They will also discuss philology, literacy and orality, and the transmission of knowledge in the Islamic manuscript culture, presenting case studies from various parts of the Muslim world. Participants can apply this training and, under the supervision of experts, practice their skills in producing a sample critical edition of a manuscript of their choice.

Building on the legacies of scholars such as Scaliger, Golius, and Warner, the Leiden University Library houses one of the most important collections of oriental manuscripts in Europe. It includes thousands of Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman manuscripts, not only from the historic heartlands of Islam but also from Asia, al-Andalus, and Africa. Participants will have full access to this collection as well as to other library services.  

Practical information

Language of instruction: English. Non-native speakers are required to have a command of English equivalent to at least TOEFL 550.

Costs: €800 (including access to the library). Participants are expected to provide for their own travel, visa (if applicable), accommodation, and living expenses. LUCIS will provide invitation letters for participants who need to apply for a visa.

Reduced fee: Participants who are unable to secure financial support from their home institution may be eligible for reduced fees. Please contact LUCIS at lucis@hum.leidenuniv.nl for more information about this possibility.

Application

Graduate (MA and PhD) students and researchers with an interest in handwritten materials and text editing are encouraged to apply for participation in the Summer School. Applications should include:

• Letter of motivation;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Specification of which research language(s) the applicant masters;
• If you are a non-native speaker of English: certificate of competence in English (TOEFL 550 or equivalent).

The deadline for applications is Friday 17 June 2022. Participants will be informed about acceptance by Monday 27 June 2022. Please send your application to lucis@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Programme

The course leader is Dr. Dorrit van Dalen. The programme will be announced in due course.