Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies

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1 - Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies PHD TRAINING AND RESEARCH BIGSAS is funded by the German Research Foundation as part of the Excellence Initiative.

2 CONTENT 3 Welcome to BIGSAS 4 Academic Profile 6 Research Areas in BIGSAS 12 Partner Universities 14 Studying at BIGSAS 17 Financial Support 18 Special Features and Offers 20 Admission 22 Administrative Structure of BIGSAS 24 Who we are 27 Contact

- Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies WELCOME TO BIGSAS Carrying out and successfully completing a

BIGSAS offers an academic environment which strives to support all its Junior Fellows according to their specific

The Senior Fellows involved in BIGSAS are experts in the field of African Studies and can thus guide and support their PhD

It enables them not only to write their thesis, but also to enhance their research skills through theoretical and

3 - Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies WELCOME TO BIGSAS Carrying out and successfully completing a PhD project is undoubtedly a challenge that requires good planning, discipline, time and inspiration. BIGSAS offers an academic environment which strives to support all its Junior Fellows according to their specific interests and needs. The Senior Fellows involved in BIGSAS are experts in the field of African Studies and can thus guide and support their PhD students in an excellent manner. The Graduate School offers its PhD students a professional and inspiring work environment. It enables them not only to write their thesis, but also to enhance their research skills through theoretical and methodological courses as well as in discussions with their supervisors, mentors, fellow students, with postdocs and with guest professors. This lively exchange of thoughts and ideas is highly enriched by and based on the cultural diversity to be found at BIGSAS. 3

4 ACADEMIC PROFILE The University of Bayreuth is a hub of international and interdisciplinary research. African Studies have been a research priority at the University of Bayreuth since its foundation in 1975 and are firmly positioned in the university s current development plans. The Bayreuth International tional Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) was established at the University of Bayreuth in 2007 within the framework of the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal Government and the state governments. It thus builds on the university s more than 30 years of experience in research and PhD training. BIGSAS offers a multi- and interdisciplinary research environment. It brings together African and European academic networks and fosters partnership not only between the University of Bayreuth and its five partner universities in Africa, but also among universities in Africa. 4

Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies BIGSAS provides training opportunities for PhD students that are one of a kind in this field in Germany and laid down in the Graduate School

5 Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies BIGSAS provides training opportunities for PhD students that are one of a kind in this field in Germany and laid down in the Graduate School s doctoral degree regulations: research with a multidisciplinary mentorship (called Mentoring Group ), comprising one supervisor and two mentors), based on a structured Individual Research Training Plan (IRTP) and regular progress reports. In addition, BIGSAS puts emphasis on the transmission and acquisition of employment-oriented trans - ferable skills and an early integration of its PhD students into the international academic community. The PhD students also profit from individual career planning and a shorter time-to-degree with structural and financial encouragements. Professional management and quality control have been established to further improve the quality of the training, mentoring and administration at the Graduate School. 5

6 RESEARCH AREAS IN BIGSAS The Graduate School comprises a wide range of disciplines offering basic and applied research in and on Africa. These disciplines form the basis of the four BIGSAS Research Areas that arise from current research questions in African Studies. The Research Areas are based on the research expertise and priorities of the Principal and Associated Investigators and are regularly revised according to new developments in African Studies and the participating disciplines. They combine the advantages of area studies with a specific disciplinary studies profile. Principle and Associated Investigators collaborate within and across their respective areas. Thus, the Research Areas are open to complex and theoretically demanding research questions as well as to applied research on selected thematic foci. The Research Areas are: A B C D Uncertainty, Innovation and the Quest for Order in Africa Culture, Concepts and Communication in Africa: Approaches through Language, Literature and Media Concepts and Conflicts in Development Cooperation with Africa Coping with Environmental Criticality and Disasters in Africa Applicants project proposals must refer to one of these Research Areas. 6

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8 Research A Uncertainty, Innovation and the Quest for Order in Africa No pair of concepts seems to describe Africa better than uncertainty and innovation. Uncertainty arises from the precarious basis of most African economies, political instability, the vulnerability of its people to disasters, the continent s dependence on unreliable financial, material and ideational inputs for its further existence as well as its inability to meet the expectations of the younger generations. Uncertainty seems to describe the conditions under which most Africans live and the difficulties they encounter in coping with crumbling political, economic, social, cultural and normative orders. Creativity and spontaneity may succeed in limiting uncertainty and thus lead to more stable living conditions. In this sense, changes shaped by creativity and spontaneity can be subsumed under the framework of a profound quest for order. Thus, PhD projects within this area may relate to the following topics: Social, political and/or religious orders, new civic associations Religion and healing Family, kinship and law Urban culture and youth movements Appropriation of external goods and ideas 8

9 Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies Research B Culture, Concepts and Communication in Africa: Approaches through Language, Literature and Media Language, literature and the media in general are the spaces where concepts can be discussed and developed; these spaces also serve as means for transmitting concepts from Africa to Europe. The perception of Africa and African participation in a worldwide cultural interaction therefore also depends on the dynamic interplay of different perspectives on the continent: external perspectives constructed in the discourses of Western societies (both the legacy of colonialism and the contemporary forces of globalisation) and internal views of Africa constructed in the discourses of African actors. The specification and analysis of parameters of dependence between culture, concepts and communication and a systematic comparison of these parameters are a paramount research issue. Thus, PhD projects within this area may relate to the following topics: Culture, society and the dynamics of language and literature Language, the mediation of knowledge and its development Innovation, hybridisation and narrative voice Gender in culture and communication African media in local and global media arenas Linguistic, cultural and intermedial transfer and diaspora Transformations 9

10 Research C Concepts and Conflicts in Development Cooperation with Africa Currently, development cooperation and the discussion on what is perceived as development are undergoing significant changes: The roles of institutions, governance and political structures have gained importance again. Here the focus is on the political agenda, namely decentralisation, democratisation, human rights and the more specific rights of women and children, rule of law, good governance as well as the fight against corruption. The development debate bears on spectacular threats which are often taken out of their context for the purpose of suggesting the need for immediate action. Topics are the perceived fear of terrorism, the increasingly devastating impacts of natural disasters on developing countries societies and changes unleashed by HIV/ AIDS, a fear of a rising migratory pressure on Europe and the US and a rapid and uncontrollable urbanisation. Thus, PhD projects within this area may relate to the following topics: Actors and structures of development cooperation and the role of policy Concepts of development and development cooperation and its perceptions The practical application of concepts in development cooperation and their perceptions and reshaping on the ground 10

11 Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies Research D Coping with Environmental Criticality and Disasters in Africa In Africa, vulnerability and criticality contexts differ from situations in other parts of the world in so far as rapid-onset events like earthquakes, cyclones or floods affect only relatively small regions, sometimes only scarcely populated. Instead, the situation in Africa is characterised by such slow-onset processes as droughts, which may eventually lead from a state of crisis to disaster. Central to the transition from crisis to disaster is not the natural event itself, but rather its relationship to society. The key question that needs to be ex - plored is how local resilience, recovery and coping capacities are affected by changes/processes in the relationship of society and nature in the terms suggested here. In other words, what is the precise combination of social and natural factors that is responsible for disasters in any given context? Thus, PhD projects within this area may relate to the following topics: Perception of natural hazards and discourses on risk The relationship between extreme natural events and social destabilisation Costs of coping 11

Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies PARTNER UNIVERSITIES Five of the 29 universities in Africa with whom the University of Bayreuth engages in academic exchange and dialogue

12 Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies PARTNER UNIVERSITIES Five of the 29 universities in Africa with whom the University of Bayreuth engages in academic exchange and dialogue form the focus of collaboration for BIGSAS. They have been chosen to become partners of BIGSAS on the basis of their high educational and academic standards and their expressed willingness to engage in large-scale long-term cooperation with BIGSAS. These universities are located in the Arabic, English, French and Portuguese speaking regions of the continent. They closely collaborate with BIGSAS in the recruiting, selecting, training and mentoring of PhD students. Université Mohammed V-Agdal, Rabat, Morocco Prof. Taieb Belghazi Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya Prof. Naomi Shitemi Université d Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin Prof. Raphael Darboux Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique Prof. Gregório Firmino University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa Prof. Lindy Stiebel 12

13 Further colleagues from the Partner Universities collaborate with the Senior Fellows of the University of Bayreuth in the training and mentoring of PhD students. In this respect, various models are pos sible: studies in Bayreuth accompanied and supported by mentors from the Partner Universities, joint training in Bayreuth and at a participating university abroad and also a double PhD degree (Cotutelle). Frequent invitations of academics from the Partner Universities ensure a lively exchange in research and teaching between BIGSAS and its African partner institutions as well as among the Partner Universities themselves. Both study visits at the African Partner Universities and fieldwork conducted with particular assistance by local colleagues complete the Individual Research and Training Plans of the Junior Fellows. Another valuable way to intensify collaboration between the University of Bayreuth and its partners are co-organised conferences, seminars and workshops. Moreover, these key study programme elements help to jointly find and develop new research foci. Last but not least, in terms of the ongoing Bologna process, the universities exchange their respective experiences and discuss structural and substantial concepts. 13

14 STUDYING AT BIGSAS 14 PhD students complete their degree within three years time including the time spent on field research. In particular cases a Preparatory Period is recommended, which does not count as part of the time-to-degree. In order to succeed in writing the thesis, each PhD student together with the supervisor and the mentors develops an Individual Research Training Plan (IRTP). Since PhD students are expected to quickly become familiar with the international academia, they are encouraged to participate in international conferences and to publish researchrelated articles in academic journals. The participation in workshops or summer schools, in self organised Workgroups and additional courses allows them to discuss and to develop their research topics and to gain further academic skills. The progress of their dissertation project is regularly assessed on the base of a progress report at the end of each semester.

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16 16 CAMPUS

17 Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies - FINANCIAL SUPPORT FINANCIAL SUPPORT BIGSAS offers three types of funding: Preparatory course funding Candidates who are not immediately admitted into the main PhD programme but are recommended for and placed into a preparatory course by the Academic Committee will get 800 per month for the period of their preparatory course. The average preparatory period is six months and may be extended up to twelve months maximum. The preparatory period does not count as part of the official time-to-degree. Start-up funding Candidates who have been admitted into the main PhD programme immediately may apply for start-up funding. The start-up funding is 1000 per month. It is awarded for a period of six months and may be extended up to twelve months maximum. During this time, PhD students are requested to apply for external funding to finance their further PhD studies. In this they will receive support from their individual supervisors and the BIGSAS administration. PhD programme funding BIGSAS offers a limited number of scholarships of 1200 per month for the period of three years. 17

SPECIAL FEATURES AND OFFERS Language Courses Language courses are a key element

German language skills are not a precondition for admission.

acquire basic German language skills to enable them to get around in Germany.

18 SPECIAL FEATURES AND OFFERS Language Courses Language courses are a key element of the BIGSAS study programme. German language skills are not a precondition for admission. Yet once admitted into BIGSAS, all foreign students are expected to prove or to acquire basic German language skills to enable them to get around in Germany. BIGSAS also offers supplementary English language courses as well as courses in African languages. Field Research Modern African Studies strongly rely on empirical research, which requires time and means. Therefore, BIGSAS provides funding for up to two field research trips within the period of training. 18

19 Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies - Conference Participation FINANCIAL SUPPORT PhD students at BIGSAS are expected to present their projects at national as well as international conferences, summer schools and workshops and exchange thoughts and ideas with international experts. BIGSAS provides funding for active participation in one conference and for participation in one summer school or workshop. International Academic Orientation The PhD students benefit from courses and lectures given by internationally renowned guest professors and outstanding writers, musicians and artists. They are also encouraged to invite academics they would like to discuss or work with. For this purpose BIGSAS allocates funds ranging from short-term invitations to six-month guest professorships. Gender and Parent Students Action Plan The BIGSAS Gender and Parent Students Action Plan aims to specifically support and promote female and parent students in the academic community and to create a familyfriendly work environment. Moreover, it offers a coaching programme for female PhD students. Parent students are supported in choosing appropriate child care services. There is also the possibility to apply for financial support for individual short-term child care service. The BIGSAS location itself is equipped with a children s room. Publication of Dissertations For PhD students who have completed the doctoral programme, BIGSAS partly covers the costs for the publication of their thesis. 19

ADMISSION You may apply to BIGSAS if you hold a Master s or

you plan a PhD project on Africa that relates to one of the academic

four BIGSAS Research Areas. The working language is English.

20 ADMISSION You may apply to BIGSAS if you hold a Master s or equivalent degree in the Humanities with a very good result and if you plan a PhD project on Africa that relates to one of the academic disciplines covered by our Principal Investigators and to one of the four BIGSAS Research Areas. The working language is English. German or French language skills are welcome, but not a precondition for admission. For further information on application periods and requirements, visit our website: 20

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ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF BIGSAS BIGSAS is headed by the Academic Committee (AC), which comprises the Dean and the two Vice Deans, the Coordinator, four Principle Investigators representing the

The AC admits the doctoral students, verifies the progress of every PhD student, takes the final decisions regarding the organisation of the Graduate School, the coordination of the training

22 The execution of the decisions of the Academic Committee is carried out by the Management Board (MB), comprising the Dean, the two Vice Deans, the Gender Representative and the Coordinator of

22 ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF BIGSAS BIGSAS is headed by the Academic Committee (AC), which comprises the Dean and the two Vice Deans, the Coordinator, four Principle Investigators representing the four Research Areas, one Junior Fellows Representative, one Postdocs Representative, the Gender Representative and the Partner Universities Coordinator. The AC admits the doctoral students, verifies the progress of every PhD student, takes the final decisions regarding the organisation of the Graduate School, the coordination of the training programme, the admission of staff, the allocation of finances and appoints the doctoral commissions for the defence. 22 The execution of the decisions of the Academic Committee is carried out by the Management Board (MB), comprising the Dean, the two Vice Deans, the Gender Representative and the Coordinator of BIGSAS. Academic Committee and Management Board act in consultation with the Advisory Board (AB), which has its meeting once a year. It includes two external advisors, one representative of the University of Bayreuth and one representative of the Institute of African Studies (IAS). The administration team runs the institutional structures of the Graduate School and assures day-to-day assistance for all members.

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24 WHO WE ARE Principal Investigators 24 Prof. Dr. Erdmute ALBER Social Anthropology Prof. Dr. Susan ARNDT English & Anglophone Literatures Prof. Dr. Kocra ASSOUA Development Policy and African Politics Prof. Dr. Kurt BECK Anthropology Prof. Dr. Ulrich BERNER Religious Studies Prof. Dr. Martina DRESCHER Romance and General Linguistics Prof. Dr. Ute FENDLER Francophone Literatures, Cultures and Media in Africa Prof. Dr. Dymitr IBRISZIMOW African Linguistics Prof. Dr. Said KHAMIS Literatures in African Languages Prof. Dr. Georg KLUTE Anthropology of Africa Dr. Franz KOGELMANN Islamic Studies Prof. Dr. Beate LOHNERT Development Studies in Geography Prof. Dr. Susanne MÜHLEISEN English Linguistics Prof. Dr. Detlef MÜLLER-MAHN Human and Social Geography Prof. Dr. Dieter NEUBERT Development Sociology Prof. Dr. Achim von OPPEN History of Africa Prof. Dr. Jonathan OWENS Arabic Linguistics Prof. Dr. Herbert POPP Human Geography of Northern Africa Dr. Manfred von RONCADOR African Linguistics Prof. Dr. Gabriele SOMMER African Linguistics Dr. Ulf VIERKE Arts in Africa Prof. Dr. Ulrike WANITZEK Law with Focus on Comparative Law

25 Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies Associated Investigators Dr. Felix AMEKA African Linguistics Prof. Dr. Christian BEGEMANN Contemporary German Literature Prof. Dr. Taieb BELGHAZI English Language and Literature Studies Prof. Dr. Eckhard BREITINGER Anglophone Literatures & Performance Prof. Dr. Gabriele CAPPAI Sociology Dr. John CHESWORTH Religious Studies Prof. Dr. Hansjörg DILGER Anthropology Dr. Martin DOEVENSPECK Human Geography Prof. Dr. Florian DÜNCKMANN Human Geography Prof. Dr. Michael HAUHS Ecological Modelling Prof. Dr. Martin LESCHKE Macroeconomics Dr. Bernadin MFUMBUSA Media Ethics Prof. Dr. Gudrun MIEHE African Lingusitics Prof. Dr. Eckhard NAGEL Medical Management and Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Gerd SPITTLER Anthropology Dr. Asonzeh UKAH Religious Studies Prof. Dr. Adalbert WINKLER Development Finance 25

ADMINISTRATION TEAM Coordination Coordinator: Dr. Christine Scherer E-mail: Christine.Scherer@uni-bayreuth.de Assistant Coordinator: Dipl.-Übers. Stefanie Jost E-mail: Stefanie.Jost@uni-bayreuth.

26 ADMINISTRATION TEAM Coordination Coordinator: Dr. Christine Scherer Assistant Coordinator: Dipl.-Übers. Stefanie Jost Office WHO WE ARE MANAGEMENT BOARD Dean: Prof. Dr. Dymitr Ibriszimow Vice-Dean: Prof. Dr. Erdmute Alber Vice-Dean: Prof. Dr. Herbert Popp Coordinator: Dr. Christine Scherer Gender Representative: Prof. Dr. Gabriele Sommer 26 Administrative Assistants: Martina Schuberth-Adam Sabine Wagner Phone: (0)921 / Project Support Susanne Ott, M.A. Susanne.Ott@uni-bayreuth.de Student Assistants Dipl. Betriebswirt Felix Brinkmann Felix.Brinkmann@uni-bayreuth.de Natalie Patterer Natalie.Patterer@uni-bayreuth.de IT Manager Mathias Endres Mathias.Endres@uni-bayreuth.de

- Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies CONTACT Postal address: BIGSAS University of Bayreuth D-95440 Bayreuth Germany How to find us Geschwister-Scholl-Platz (GSP) Visitors

27 - Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies CONTACT Postal address: BIGSAS University of Bayreuth D Bayreuth Germany How to find us Geschwister-Scholl-Platz (GSP) Visitors address: BIGSAS Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 3 D Bayreuth Germany Phone: + 49-(0)921 / / 5101 Fax: + 49-(0)921 / Internet: BIGSAS@uni-bayreuth.de Imprint Editor: Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies BIGSAS, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 3, D Bayreuth Edited by Dr. Jeannett Martin, Dr. Christine Scherer, Susanne Ott, M.A., Dipl.-Übers. Rebekka Hahn Photos by BIGSAS / UBT, design by wunschpunkt Printed November

28 OUR WAY TOGETHER

Bachelor of Arts. Intercultural German Studies. Language in intercultural contexts

Bachelor of Arts. Intercultural German Studies. Language in intercultural contexts Bachelor of Arts Intercultural German Studies Language in intercultural contexts The programme Intercultural German Studies in Bayreuth fosters interdisciplinary thinking. It s a great choice for students