2 Paid PhD Positions at University of Groningen

Two PhD positions have been advertised at Jobs.ac.Uk which is reproduced below. Note that it is possible to do NT/early Christianity.


Two PhD Positions Theology and Religious Studies (1,8 fte) University of Groningen - Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

Vacancy number 210358-59

Job description
The Graduate School of Theology and Religious Studies of the University of Groningen is looking for two PhD candidates (0,9 fte) for its PhD programme.

The programme is open to highly motivated foreign and Dutch students who have a wide-ranging interest in religion and who wish to study in a challenging academic environment, which stimulates personal development and which aims at excellence. Applicants are requested to submit a research proposal in one of the (sub)disciplines of Religious Studies or Theology.

Requirements

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates with a Master's degree or equivalent, in a (sub)discipline in which the doctoral study will take place. The degree must have been obtained within a reasonable period of time and with results that justify the expectation that the student will be able to successfully complete the programme in four years.

For detailed admission requirements: http://www.rug.nl/gradschoolthrs/admissions/admissionphd

Conditions of employment
The University of Groningen offers a salary of minimal € 2,042 gross a month in the first year to maximal € 2,612 gross a month in the final year based on a full-time position. It is a temporary assignment for a period of 4 years. First, you will get a temporary position of 1,5 years with the perspective of prolongation with another 2,5 years. After the first year, there will be an evaluation as to the feasibility of successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years.

Please note that interviews will be held in week 7 (14-18 February 2011) and that you have to apply only by the application form as pronounced below.

The PhD positions are available as of September 1st, 2011.

Organisation Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (http://www.rug.nl/ggw/index) is one of the four oldest faculties of the University of Groningen. The University of Groningen was founded in 1614 and is among the 10% best universities in the world. A wide variety of disciplines. Internationally oriented. Rooted in the North of The Netherlands. Socially active. Our researchers and lecturers are inspired academics.

The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies is small, full of atmosphere, and is nationally and internationally renowned for its high quality of teaching and research. Through its Centre for Religious Studies (http://www.rug.nl/ggw/onderzoek/index) the Groningen faculty carries out multi- and interdisciplinary research into ancient and living religions. Research focuses on the philology, literature, iconography, history, philosophy, anthropology and theology of these religions.

Additional information

Prof. A.F. Sanders, e-mail: a.f.sanders@rug.nl

PLEASE USE ONLY THIS APPLICATION FORM: http://www.rug.nl/gradschoolthrs/degree/phd/admission/applicationForm

Graduate School of Theology and Religious Studies: http://www.rug.nl/gradschoolthrs/index

Direct link to this job opening: www.academictransfer.com/7713

Closing date: February 1st, 2011.

English...Oh...English

The British Library is currently having a rather interesting exhibition that I recently attended: Evolving English: One Language, Many Voices. That sets me thinking about how English can be rather confusing, in its make up, pronunciation and the understanding of its meaning.

For example - take the name of places.
Gloucester is pronounced with silent "ce", as in "Glouster".
Likewise, Leicester Square in London is also pronounced with silent "ce", as in "Leister Square."
But Cirencester is pronounced in full, as in "Ci-ren-ces-ter."

Another rather interesting example about people and places.
Those from England are called English
Those from Scotland are called Scottish
Those from Ireland are called Irish
but those from Wales are not called Welshish or Welish. And a Welsh person is not from Welshland.

Let's think about the church now.
Church of England is Anglican
Church of Wales is Anglican
Church of Northern Ireland is Anglican
But Church of Scotland is not Anglican but Presbyterian!!

Finally, this is what I like best. I know of a single woman who celebrated her 50th birthday recently. After her birthday, she insisted that everyone should address her as Madam followed by her surname, and not Miss followed by her surname, as has always been her practice all along. The reason? She was told that those who are 50s and above should only be known as Madam to reflect one's status or rank in life. I think it is wise of me not to mention the other meanings of Madam as well.

Indeed, one language, many voices!