Literature as Collaboration

What does it mean to re-think literature as a collaborative instead of a solipsistic cultural practice? This simple question stands at the beginning of the research project “From Bystander to Actor: Literature as Collaboration". The project, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), is situated at the University of Potsdam, near the German capital Berlin. Scheduled to begin work in January 2025, it aims to combine systematic/conceptual with case-based exemplary research into emergent or extant forms of doing literature collaboratively. Research will focus on current trends in two distinct regions: Britain and India. In this context, the contribution of the PhD researcher shall consist in an in-depth study of select current and 'traditional' conceptualizations and practices of literature-as-collaboration in contemporary South Asia. This may, e.g., involve the ongoing discussion over such terms as sahitya, that has on the one hand an exclusive Sanskritic heritage while on the other hand denoting an essentially collective, trans-individual productivity that has made the concept appealing also to feminist or Dalit thinkers and practitioners.  

Call for applications: 1 PhD position (starting January 2025)

We invite applicants who wish to write a dissertation in the field of South Asian literary studies with a strong interest in questions of the social impact of contemporary literature. Applicants must have completed an M.A. degree or equivalent in literary studies or in a related academic field. We specifically encourage applications by candidates from South Asia. The project’s working language is English. Knowledge of German is not necessary, but the successful applicant will have the opportunity to attend German language courses, should they wish to.

The successful candidate will be enrolled for a PhD at the University of Potsdam in the fields of English Studies under the supervision of Professor Dirk Wiemann (Department of English and American Studies, University of Potsdam) in close collaboration with Professor Satish Poduval (Department of Cultural Studies, EFLU Hyderabad).

The PhD candidate will be employed at the University of Potsdam for four years.

Applications are welcome until 1 September 2024. Find out  how to apply.

Detailed information about the positions will become available by mid-June.