Graduate School of Humanities FGW VU

29/11/2023

Film Screening: "Mooladé" with introduction by Prof. Dr. Anthony Bogues:

Dear Students and Community Members,

We are excited to invite you to a special evening featuring a film screening of "Mooladé" and an introduction by our distinguished guest, Prof. Dr. Anthony Bogues, at Rialto VU Amsterdam.

Date: December 13th

Time: 19:00

Venue: Rialto VU, Amsterdam

Tickets: https://rialtofilm.nl/en/films/1652/moolaade-fiction-science *Student will receive a significant discount*



‘In a village in Burkina Faso, the day has come for six young girls to be circumcised, a form of ge***al mutilation that can sometimes even lead to death. Two of the six girls are so afraid of this torture that they drown themselves; the other four seek refuge with Collé, a woman fiercely opposed to the procedure. She offers the four moolaadé, 'magical protection', by stretching a coloured rope in front of the gate of her house. No one, including the women who perform the circumcision, can now get to the girls. That action has far-reaching consequences, especially for Collé herself.

In dozens of African countries, the practice of female circumcision is still commonplace. Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene, who has been making films for 40 years, sees the resistance against it as a struggle between tradition and modernity, with Collé symbolising the African woman who does not accept patriarchal domination. Moolaadé has won many awards, including at Cannes.’


About Prof. Dr. Anthony Bogues:

Prof. dr. Anthony Bogues is a writer, curator and political theorist, director of the Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice and Asa Messer Professor of Humanities and Critical Theory at Brown University. He has written extensively on political theory and intellectual history of Africa and the African diaspora with a particular interest in the evolution of knowledge and systems of scholarship regarding the relationships between scholarship, society, and race. He is visiting professor of African and Africa Diaspora Thought at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.


Join us for an enlightening evening as we delve into the intersection of tradition, modernity, and resistance against oppressive practices with Prof. Dr. Anthony Bogues and the powerful film "Mooladé." We look forward to welcoming you on December 13th at 19:00 at Rialto VU!

21/11/2023

Invitation to lecture series "Black Critique: Radical Thought of Our Times" by Professor Anthony Bogues

You are cordially invited to the lecture series given by Professor Anthony Bogues, visiting professor of African and Africa Diaspora Thought at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This lecture series is organized by the Graduate School of the Humanities at the VU, and supported by CLUE+ and the International Institute of Social History.

Black Critique: Radical thought of our times

Black Radical Thought is a political current which has been central to modern political and social theory. Yet this fact has not been fully grasped in the study of modern thought. This lecture series will explore the different contours and currents within Black radical thought. The lectures will foreground political and social ideas of black abolitionism during racial slavery and in the contemporary moment, anti-colonialism and decolonization, and Black internationalism. The lecture series will end with a discussion about how black radical thought becomes a form of critique about the making of the modern world and the present.

About the speaker:

Prof. dr. Anthony Bogues is a writer, curator and political theorist, director of the Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice and Asa Messer Professor of Humanities and Critical Theory at Brown University. He has written extensively on political theory and intellectual history of Africa and the African diaspora with a particular interest in the evolution of knowledge and systems of scholarship regarding the relationships between scholarship, society and race. He is visiting professor of African and Africa Diaspora Thought at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Monday 11 December 2023, 15:00-16:30 HG 15A16
Lecture 1: Black Abolitionism

Wednesday 13 December 2023, 15:00-16:30 HG11A24 Film shown at 19:00 at Rialto VU
Lecture 2: Anti-colonialism and decolonization
Followed by showing of Ousmane Sembène’s film MOOLAADÉ.
> You can find tickets here, if you wish to attend the screening without signing up for the lecture series: https://rialtofilm.nl/en/films/1652/moolaade-fiction-science

Friday 15 December 2023, 15:00-16:30 HG8A 20
Lecture 3: Black Critique and the Human

The lecture on 15 December will be followed by snacks and drinks. PhD candidates who follow the full lecture series receive 2 ECs. Please register by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

21/11/2023

PhD Opportunities at Ghent University's History Department

Are you a passionate research master's student focusing on history, African studies, or anthropology? Ghent University's Department of History invites applications for three Doctoral Fellow positions within the ERC Starting Grant Project ‘CATTLEFRONTIERS – (Post)Colonial Cattle Frontiers: Capitalism, Science, and Empire in Southern and Central Africa, 1890s-1970s’, led by Prof. Dr. Samuël Coghe.

Application Deadline: December 18, 2023, 00:00 CET

Positions:

- ‘The Biological Frontier: Veterinary Knowledge, Technologies and Animal Bodies’
- ‘The Mental Frontier: Pastoralist Subjectivities, Colonial Control and Market Integration’
- ‘The Socio-Ecological Frontier: Land, Environment and Labour’

Project Overview:

CATTLEFRONTIERS explores the transformative impact of colonialism, global capitalism, and science on cattle production in Southern and Central Africa from the 1890s to 1970s. The project aims to offer a comprehensive history of these processes, integrating them into global history through the concept of ‘commodity frontiers.’

Your Tasks:

- Conduct a case study within your assigned line of inquiry.
- Complete a PhD thesis under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Samuël Coghe.
- Contribute to project outputs, including publications, workshops, conferences, and the project’s website and social media.
- Provide administrative and organizational support to the team.
- Actively participate in the activities of the research group Economies, Comparisons, Connections (ECC) and the History Department at U-Gent.

What We Are Looking For:

- MA degree in History, African Studies, History of Science, Anthropology, or a related field (to be completed by the start date).
- Motivated early career researcher with relevant research experience.
- Proficiency in English and/or French (Portuguese required for case study 2).
- Strong communication skills.
- Willingness to conduct part of the research in the respective African countries.

What Ghent University Offers:

- Full-time position for four years with an internationally competitive doctoral scholarship.
- Office space, laptop, funding for archival research, fieldwork, and attendance at workshops and conferences.
- Membership in a cutting-edge research group and the U-Gent Doctoral School.
- Benefits including holiday leave, vacation allowance, and access to various facilities and programs.
- Support for international scholars moving to Belgium.

How to Apply:

Submit your application to [email protected] by December 18, 2023, 23:59 CET. Include a letter of motivation, CV, copy of MA degree, and other relevant documents (see details).

Selection Timeline:

- Application deadline: December 18, 2023, 23:59 CET.
- Candidates notified by mid-January 2023 for interview invitations.
- Interviews conducted at the end of January – beginning of February 2024.
- Final candidates informed by mid-February 2024.
- Job start ideally on April 1, 2024 (negotiable).

Doctoral fellow Doctoral fellow Last application date Dec 18, 2023 00:00 Department LW03 - Department of History Contract Limited duration Degree MA degree in History, African Studies, History of Science, Anthropology or a closely related field (to be completed by the start date of the position) Occ...

14/11/2023

Dear research community,

This is a reminder about the upcoming event, organized by the Graduate School of Humanities, featuring a lecture by renowned social and cultural historian, Prof. Ana Lucia Araujo.

Event Details:

Date: November 17, 2023
Time: 15:30 - 17:00
Location: HG-11A22, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Prof. Araujo as she delves deep into the history of slavery and its legacies.

About the Speaker:

Prof. Ana Lucia Araujo is a Full Professor of History at Howard University in Washington DC, and her expertise spans multiple fields, including History, Art History, and Visual Arts. Her acclaimed scholarship predominantly revolves around the history of slavery, the Atlantic slave trade, and their prevailing legacies. She is also an expert in the memory, heritage, and visual culture of slavery

About the Lecture: "The Gift: How Objects of Prestige Shaped the Atlantic Slave Trade and Colonialism"

In this lecture, Prof. Araujo will be drawing from a rich array of sources in multiple languages and artifacts from museums across the globe to narrate the story of how luxury objects influenced European-African interactions during the Atlantic slave trade era. She will focus on an eighteenth-century silver ceremonial sword commissioned by French traders in La Rochelle and its journey through history. The book underscores the influence of European-made prestigious artifacts, incorporating elements from West African and West Central African cultures, in the economic, cultural, and social dynamics that led to European conquest and colonization of West Africa.

Program:

15:30: Prof. Ana Lucia Araujo's Lecture

Post-Lecture Gathering: Join us for a casual drink and chat session, providing an excellent opportunity to interact with your peers and Prof. Araujo to further discuss the topic.

Please Note: This event is open to all, and no sign-up is required. We look forward to seeing you there on November 17th.

25/10/2023

Special Lecture by Prof. Ana Lucia Araujo on her book 'The Gift: How Objects of Prestige Shaped the Atlantic Slave Trade and Colonialism'

We are thrilled to announce an enlightening lecture session with the internationally recognized social and cultural historian of transnational and comparative history, Prof. Ana Lucia Araujo. This is a unique opportunity to delve deep into the nuances of the history of slavery and its legacies.


About the Speaker:

Prof. Ana Lucia Araujo is a Full Professor of History at the historically black Howard University, Washington DC. She boasts a rich academic background, having studied in Brazil, Canada, and France, with expertise spanning the fields of History, Art History, and Visual Arts. Her acclaimed scholarship predominantly revolves around the history of slavery, the Atlantic slave trade, and their prevailing legacies. She is also an expert in the memory, heritage, and visual culture of slavery. Her diverse publications have come out in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish, her work has also been translated to Dutch.

About the Lecture:

In 'The Gift,' Prof. Araujo narrates the compelling tale of how luxury objects played a pivotal role in the European-African interactions during the Atlantic slave trade era. Central to her narrative is an eighteenth-century silver ceremonial sword commissioned by French traders in La Rochelle. Drawing from a rich array of sources in multiple languages and artifacts from museums across the globe, Araujo demonstrates how these luxury items shaped European-African relations during the era. The book underscores the influence of European-made prestigious artifacts, incorporating elements from West African and West Central African cultures, in the economic, cultural, and social dynamics that led to European conquest and colonization of West Africa. It traces the ceremonial sword's journey from its original gift status to its eventual looting in Dahomey, offering a fresh perspective on the Atlantic slave trade and colonialism.

Program

When: 17th November 2023, 15:30 - 17:00

Location: HG-11A22, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam

15.30: Prof. Ana Lucia Araujo

Post-Lecture Gathering: After the lecture, students are invited for a casual drink and chat session. This is a fantastic chance to interact with Prof. Araujo and discuss further insights on the topic.

17.00: The end

14/10/2023

Alumni Spotlight: Marjolein Uittenbogaard

We're proud to highlight an insightful piece by our alumna Marjolein Uittenbogaard that has been published in the Junctions Graduate Journal of the Humanities.
Her research delves into the role of Amsterdam’s Portuguese Synagogue (Esnoga) as a site of memory for the Sephardic community. Using tools from memory studies and psalm analysis, Uittenbogaard examines the communal prayers in three special Orders of Service from the Esnoga spanning 1961 to 1989. She highlights how the Esnoga serves as a space where the Sephardic community recalls and commemorates both their mythic past and the recent memory of the Holocaust. The article unveils the power of communal prayer in transmitting memories, expressing identity, and reinforcing a sense of unity within the community.

Read the full article here:

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11/10/2023

Invite: GSH Art Science Lecture with artist Aram Lee and Prof. dr. Katja Kwastek October 31

Dear student,

On behalf of the Graduate School of Humanities, you are cordially invited to take part in the second Graduate Lecture of this academic year with and around the work of artist Aram Lee and introduced by Katja Kwastek, VU professor of modern and contemporary art history on October 31 at 15:30 in Forum 3, Main Building (1D wing)

In her lecture entitled ‘Entropy’, Aram Lee will talk about various modalities of the existence of archival objects and the construction of authority. The talk will be about the passage from one disciplined body in the depot to an unruly body in the environment or from a physical body to a digital body, from Hot to Cold. And what can leak through their pore?

Works of Aram Lee are shown till October 31 by the VU’s Art Science Gallery as part of the exhibition The Commons: Home - VU ART SCIENCE gallery



Programme (Forum 3, Main Building (1D wing):

15:30 - 15:45 Introduction by Prof. Dr. Katja Kwastek

15:45 - 16:30: Lecture Aram Lee ‘Entropy’

16:30 - 17:00: Q and A

17:00 - 18:00 Drinks



Please register by sending an e-mail by Monday October 23 to: [email protected]



About Aram Lee

Aram Lee (b. 1986, Seoul) lives and works in Amsterdam. As an artist, her research-driven practice revolves around reinterpreting materials found within institutions, often seeking to relocate their role and purpose through performative events, film and video installations. Her work has been shown and performed at, among other venues, Stedelijk museum Amsterdam, De Appel, Amsterdam; Framer Framed, Amsterdam; Zuiderseemuseum, Einkuizen; Kölnischer Kunstverein, Cologne; Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin and the Bienal de arte textil contempornea, Guimares, Portugal. Disjecta Contemporary Art Center, Portland, Recent artists books include From Pluto to Pyeongyang and back and Post Ghost Bust, Charles Nyples Lab (2019) and Landscape with bear (2019). She was an artist in residence at the Jan Van Eyck Academie, NL in 2018-19, and at the Goethe Institute, Marseille in 2019. She is currently guest artist at Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam, 2022-2023.



We look forward to welcoming you October 31!



Kind regards,

Team of the Graduate School of Humanities

05/10/2023

Event Announcement: Engaging Conversation on Museums and the Legacy of Colonialism at the Tropenmuseum

The Tropenmuseum will be hosting a conversation between Secretary Lonnie Bunch of the Smithsonian and Wayne Modest. They will be discussing the complexities and responsibilities museums face in addressing their colonial and racialized histories. Afterwards, there will be space for questions and concerns during an interactive Q&A session.

Program Details:

🗓 Date: 18 October 2023
⏰ Start Time: 13.45
📍 Location: Maurits Hall, KIT: Mauritskade 64, 1092 AD Amsterdam

Schedule:

13.45 – 14.30: In-depth conversation between Wayne Modest and Secretary Bunch

14.30 – 15.05: Open Q&A session for students

15.10: Conclusion of the event

Discussion Focus:
How do museums, especially renowned institutions like the Smithsonian and the Wereldmuseum, navigate the intertwined histories of colonialism and racialization at their foundations? How can these archives and collections serve as tools for understanding and addressing the continuing impact of colonialism in our present? Delve into these questions and more, including the pressing issues of restitution, and the intersection of activism and museum work.

Registration:
This event is organized for students specifically. To book your spot, you may email [email protected].

18/09/2023

**PhD Vacancy Alert at the International Institute of Social History (IISH-KNAW)**

A distinguished opportunity awaits at the International Institute of Social History (IISH-KNAW) for those intrigued by the intricacies of historical research. Under the esteemed guidance of Filipa Ribeiro da Silva, a PhD position is opened that will be centered around the pivotal theme of 'The Global Business of Slave Trade.'

This is a full-time role for a period of 48 months, delving into the intricate dynamics of the Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish slave trades in the Indian Ocean, Indonesian Archipelago, and the South China Sea. It aims to investigate the patterns, main actors, and the economic implications it had on European empires in Asia.

Act swiftly, as the application deadline is set for 29 September 2023.

For detailed information and to apply, visit the official vacancy page here:

Phd position The Global Business of Slave Trade - IISG

15/09/2023

Decolonial Lecture Series at the Migration & Diversity Centre

The Migration & Diversity Centre is hosting a lecture series that delves deep into the discussions on decoloniality, with a particular focus on its role and significance within universities and educational institutions.

Special Guest:
Professor Dr Catherine Walsh from the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Ecuador will present her perspective on decoloniality and discuss her new book Rising Up, Living On. The session will also feature conversations with Dr Esha Shah, Dr Susana Carmona, and Lisa Ausic.

Details:

Date: 26th September 2023
Time: 16:00 - 19:00
Venue: Agora 4, Main Building
Language: English
RSVP: Due to space constraints, prior registration is required. Please email [email protected] to confirm your attendance.

For more information and event details, visit https://www.migrationdiversity.nl/events-1/decolonial-lecture-series

10/09/2023

📅 Autumn Lecture Series 2023: "What is the Anthropocene? - Exploring Transdisciplinary Collaboration for Sustainable Change"

Everybody is welcome to join this open lecture series in autumn 2023, starting on Tue, Sep 19 (HG 06A00, VU), which explores the current academic debate on this new epoch from different angles.

During the lecture series 'What is the Anthropocene? - Exploring transdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable change', speakers and participants will discuss how interdisciplinary research can contribute to challenges of the planetary poly crisis that are part of what scientists are debating is the Anthropocene. Each lecture consists of two expert presentations which will be followed by discussion and is open to anyone at VU and beyond.

Register here for the Anthropocene lecture series: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/anthropocene-lecture-series-vu-amsterdam-2535689

Transdisciplinary workshops:
- Leading up to COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, special workshops are organized. Co-create stories for COP28 by bridging science, human health, art, and activism. Witness the fusion of perspectives from the Netherlands, UAE, the Global North, and the Global South.
- Details can be found via this link: https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/research-institutes/amsterdam-sustainability-institute/more-about/on-the-road-to-cop28.

This lecture series is organised by the first VU Distinguished Fellow of the Anthropocene, CLUE+ researcher Dr Sjoerd J. Kluiving, in collaboration with the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute. All events and the Fellowship of the Anthropocene are coordinated by the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute.

In autumn 2023, following the instalment of the first Distinguished Fellow of the Anthropocene, Dr. Sjoerd J. Kluiving, a lecture series with expert speakers covering the Anthropocene is programmed at VU Amsterdam.

25/08/2023

Invite Keynote Lecture New Director Graduate School of Humanities/Kick off GSH programme 2023/2024, Monday September 18

The Graduate School of Humanities is thoroughly pleased to invite you to the keynote lecture by Professor Annemie Halsema, the new Director of the Graduate School of Humanities, on Monday September 18 at 15:30 in room 15A33 (Main building). The title of her lecture is: Hermeneutics of the Body. Passing the opposition between cis- and transgender.

The keynote lecture is intended for staff, PhD candidates and students of the faculty and also serves as a way to kick-off the GSH 2023/2024 programme.

Programme (Main building, room 15A33)

15:30 - 15:45 Welcome words

15:45 - 16:30 Keynote Lecture Annemie Halsema

16:30 - 16:45 Q&A

16:45 - 18:00 Drinks

Registration: Please send an e-mail to [email protected] by September 12.

About Annemie Halsema

Annemie Halsema is Socrates professor of Philosophical Anthropology and the Foundations of Humanism, on behalf of the Socrates Foundation of het Humanistisch Verbond at Leiden University and Associate professor at the Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her current research project is entitled: ‘Hermeneutics of the gendered, racialized and ageing body’. Most philosophical theories about personal identity take embodiment into account but do not consider social situatedness. Professor Halsema wants to philosophically understand what embodied factors such as gender, race and age imply, both in terms of a person’s personal identity and in terms of being socially signified. As of September 2023, Professor Halsema shall serve as the Director of the VU’s Graduate School of Humanities

We look forward to welcoming you September 18!