July 2-31, 2012: Papyrological Institute at the University of Chicago

Papyrological Institute at the University of Chicago 

July 2 - 31, 2012

An intensive summer institute in papyrology, jointly sponsored by the Departments of Classics of the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will be held on the campus of the University of Chicago in the summer of 2012.  The program is aimed at advanced graduate students and junior faculty in Classics and associated fields, including history, Egyptology, classical and Near Eastern archaeology, history of religions, and biblical studies.  The general theme of the 2012 papyrological institute is “Religion, Magic, and Early Christianity in the Papyri.” The primary materials will consist of Greek literary and documentary papyri from Roman and early byzantine Egypt on loan from the University of Michigan collection.

The 2012 institute is the seventh in a series of intensive summer programs held under the aegis of the American Society of Papyrologists.  In keeping with the goals of previous years, the institute aims to provide participating scholars with direct experience of the papyri through close reading of individual texts, and with knowledge of the field of papyrology in general, so that they may employ this knowledge effectively in conducting their own future research and teaching.

The summer institute will offer a combination of lectures and first-hand experience working with original textual materials. Students are expected to participate actively in all of the institute’s programs and activities; a full-time commitment is required while the institute is in session. Mornings will be dedicated to introductory lectures by the principal instructors, Professor James G. Keenan (Loyola University of Chicago), Director, and Professors David Martinez (University of Chicago), Maryline Parca (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), and Peter van Minnen (University of Cincinnati).  Afternoons will be devoted to advanced coursework, to workshops on select papyri, and to individual research.  A series of guest lectures on topics related to the theme of the seminar will supplement the core presentations. 

Admission to the summer papyrological institute is by application only, and approximately ten scholars will be selected to participate.  Although previous experience with papyrology is not required, a high degree of competence in ancient Greek is essential. Participation in the institute is free of charge (no tuition) and not for credit.  We anticipate offering modest grants for travel and/or living expenses, but applicants are expected to seek financial support from their home institutions, and from other sources, to facilitate their participation.  The American Society of Papyrologists will deliver a certificate of participation to those completing the institute.  Neither grades nor transcripts will be issued.

Application procedure: The application consists of the completed application form (http://www.papyrology.org), a curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation.  All materials must be received by March 1, 2012 in order to be given full consideration.  Notification of decisions will be issued in late March.

Send application materials to Prof. David Martinez at the following address:

The University of Chicago

Department of Classics

1115 E. 58^th Street

Chicago IL 60637.