Appel à candidature : Quinze bourses à la Villa I Tatti (Florence, 2017)

villa-i-tatti-logoFifteen I Tatti Fellowships, each for twelve months, are available annually for post-doctoral research in any aspect of the Italian Renaissance broadly understood historically to include the period from the 14thto the 17th century and geographically to include transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures (e.g. Latin American, Mediterranean, African, Asian etc.).

I Tatti offers Fellows the precious time they need to pursue their studies with a minimum of obligations and interruptions together with a maximum of scholarly resources—a combination that distinguishes the Harvard Center from similar institutions. In order to foster a collaborative spirit, Fellows are expected to live in the Florence area and to spend at least three days a week at the center. Lunch and tea are served each weekday, and the I Tatti community takes shape over these convivial occasions. Rather than present a traditional paper at the end of the year, Fellows give informal presentations in the early Fall. This provides an opportunity to explore problems and questions and receive valuable feedback from other members of the community during the extended discussion period. Each year, a limited number of activities organized at I Tatti are reserved for the Fellows, and they join the wider community at conferences, lectures, and concerts.

Eligibility

Fellows are selected by an international and interdisciplinary committee that welcomes applications from scholars from all nations. The committee aims to assess the ability of candidates to contribute in a collegial way to the intellectual life of the Harvard Center. It pays special attention to the strength of the proposed project and its potential to yield original results, and to the candidate’s curriculum vitae.

At the time of application, scholars must hold a PhD, dottorato di ricerca, or an equivalent degree. They must be conversant in either English or Italian and able to understand both languages. They should be in the early stages of their career, having received a PhD between 2006-2015 and have a solid background in Italian Renaissance studies. (NB: The PhD certificate must bear a date between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015, inclusive.)

The project must represent advanced research in the Italian Renaissance, broadly defined historically as the period ranging from the 14th to the 17th centuries and geographically to include transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures (e.g. Latin American, Mediterranean, African, Asian etc.). Subjects covered include art and architecture, history, literature, material culture, music, philosophy, religion, and science. Scholars can also apply to work on the transmission and circulation of ideas, objects, and people during the Renaissance, into and beyond the Italian peninsula, or on the historiography of the Italian Renaissance, including the rebirth of interest in the Renaissance in later periods. It must be possible for applicants to carry out most of their research in Florence with the resources available in the city and at I Tatti. Preference is given to a postdoctoral research project. Applicants should demonstrate that they have already completed the necessary preliminary work to establish that the project shows promise. Projects could also represent a significant reworking of a dissertation. Special consideration may be given to candidates without regular access to research materials and facilities available in Italy.

One of the I Tatti fellowships, sponsored by a generous grant from the Florence Gould Foundation, is designated for scholars who a) work on a Franco-Italian Renaissance topic (which includes any project exploring the contact between the geographic areas of Italy and France in the early modern period); b) reside in France; or c) have French citizenship. Candidates who fall into one or more of these categories should indicate their status in the penultimate section on the application form.

The Fellow is responsible to obtain a visa, permesso di soggiorno, and health coverage (and, if appropriate, for accompanying family members). The Fellow must determine if a visa is required and, if necessary, obtain one before travel.

Renewals or repeats of an I Tatti Fellowship are not granted. Scholars can apply to only one type of I Tatti Fellowship at a time.

Terms

The Fellowship year runs from July 1 to June 30. Starting September 1, Fellows are expected to spend at least three days a week at the Villa. In light of the residential nature of this fellowship, we actively discourage people from commuting and expect everyone to reside on the property or in the vicinity. Fellows may not take on any other obligations such as teaching positions, even part-time ones, during any part of their Fellowship year.

Fellows are offered a study, use of the Biblioteca Berenson, lunches on weekdays, and various other privileges. The stipend is $50,000, plus a supplement towards relocation expenses. There are several apartments on I Tatti property, rent free, but with charges for utilities. A housing subsidy is made available for Fellows who cannot be accommodated within the I Tatti Estate.

If the candidate receives partial salary or outside grants, this must be explained on the application or in subsequent correspondence with the Director.

Application

Applications for the I Tatti Fellowship are accepted exclusively online. These applications can be written in English or Italian and must be submitted electronically by midnight (Cambridge, MA time) on October 15, 2016. Late applications will not be accepted. Notification will be made at the beginning of February.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must have two scholars who know their work well submit recommendations online by October 22, 2016. These recommendations can be written in English or Italian. In order to give your referees adequate time to submit letters of recommendation, click the reference tab and register them as early as possible. Referees will receive an email explaining how to access the system and submit their letters electronically. It is the applicants’ responsibility to inform the scholars writing on their behalf of the nature of the project and the deadline.

Formulaire de candidature

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply