BRISMES MA Scholarship

The Mohammed Arkoun Doctoral Scholarship

In recognition of the late Professor Mohammed Arkoun's contribution to the the field of Islamic Studies and allied disciplines, the Institute of Ismaili Studies has established a new scholarship entitled "The Mohammed Arkoun Doctoral Scholarship".

http://www.iis.ac.uk/view_article.asp?ContentID=113402

Mohammed Arkoun (1928-2010), originally from Algeria, was for many years Professor of History of Islamic Thought at the Sorbonne University in Paris. He was an original voice in this field, developing a critical approach to the history of Islam as well as contemporary evaluations of the field in both theological and academic writings on the subject. In particular, he advocated joint use of historical research and concepts from modern linguistics and social sciences with the aim of creating a new discipline of an anthropological history of Islam. He saw this as a further means to a unified science of religion embracing at least all faiths of 'Mediterranean' origin as well as modern secular ideologies, which in his view deserved an equally critical examination.

These ideas were disseminated through his many writings, lectures and informal addresses and communication. Mohammed Arkoun was also a keen contributor to practical projects aiming at cultural and intellectual inquiry about the Muslim world. Pre-eminent among these was the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. He also taught at the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, of which he was one of the Governors for many years, up to the time of his death.

The doctoral scholarship will be awarded once every four years for a four-year period to a graduate student pursuing research in the field of Islamic Studies, preferably in areas and on questions which are of importance to Professor Arkoun's work. These include (but are not limited to):

-simultaneous attention to historical and modern issues in Islamic thought and society.
-harnessing the tools of the social sciences and humanities (notably, linguistics, sociology and anthropology) to the study of thought and culture in Muslim societies;
-consideration of theoretical frameworks for a critical understanding of religious thought and imaginaire in Muslims communities and other 'Societies of the Book'.

This Scholarship will cover both tuition fees and personal expenses , up to the amount of GBP 25,000 per annum, for a maximum of 4 academic years.

Deadline for applications: 15 July 2012

Applications should be sent, in English, to Dr Omar Alí-de-Unzaga at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the following documentation in PDF format:

- covering letter;
- doctoral research proposal (maximum 2000 words);
- applicant's current CV;
- a writing sample (between 10-25 pages)
- letter of acceptance from the university where the applicant intends to study.

In addition, the applicant must arrange for three academic reference letters to be sent directly to the above address. Applicants who have already commenced their doctoral studies will be required to submit two academic reference letters AND a letter of good standing from the applicant's principal academic supervisor.

INFORMATION ALSO AVAILABLE IN ARABIC, FRENCH, PERSIAN AND RUSSIAN AT www.iis.ac.uk

The British-Yemeni Society

BRITISH-YEMENI SOCIETY 2012 ACADEMIC GRANT

The British-Yemeni Society is a bilateral friendship society which seeks to promote good relations and to further understanding between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Yemen. As part of this mission, the B-YS intends to offer one £500 grant annually to assist with academic study related to the Yemen.

SCOPE & APPLICABILITY

Applications are invited from anyone carrying out research in or on Yemen at a British or Yemeni University. Applicants' nationality is irrelevant.

Applications may be made to assist with study in any subject or field, so long as it is concerned with the Yemen, and is for a specific qualification (e.g. BA, MA, PhD etc.) Post-doctoral researchers may apply, but will only be considered should no more junior applicant approach the Committee.

Applications must follow normal academic procedures, i.e. an abstract supported by a recommendation from the applicant's supervisor.

The decision of the Committee is final.

TIMEFRAME

Applications are to reach the Secretary to the Committee by 31st March 2012. The Committee will consider the applications and make the grant at the AGM in June.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

As a condition of the grant, the successful applicant will be required to make an acknowledgement of the grant in the thesis or dissertation. The applicant will also be expected to make a presentation to the Society (to be summarised in the Society's Journal) on the results of the research assisted by the grant.

QUERIES

Any questions should be addressed to the Honorary Secretary, The British-Yemeni Society, 2 Lisgar Terrace, London W14 8SJ email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations (ICMR) Essay Competition for Early-career Scholars and Researchers

A prize of £500 will be awarded for an essay that in the editors' opinion makes and original contribution to the research aims of ICMR, and is of sufficient quality to be published in the journal. It is open to students who are currently registered for doctoral research at a higher education institution, and those who have obtained a doctoral degree in the past two years.

Essays will be on a topic within the general scope of the journal: The religion and culture of Islam, historical and contemporary, Islam and its relations with other faiths and ideologies, Christian-Muslim relations. The prize winning article will be published in a forthcoming issue of ICMR.

All submissions must be in English, between 8,000 and 12,000 words long, and must conform to the guidelines for the journal. The deadline for submission is 31 December 2012. Essays should be sent together with proof of eligibility to either Professor David Thomas, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or to Professor Greg Barton, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .