Call for Applications: June 2019 training program on “Cultural Study on the Medieval Silk Road: Arabic Materials and Research Methodology”

We are pleased to announce a call for applications for a summer 2019 Harvard-Yenching/Nanjing University Joint Advanced Training Program in Nanjing:

Cultural Study on the Medieval Silk Road: Arabic Materials and Research Methodology

Nanjing University workshop, co-sponsored by the Harvard-Yenching Institute

Held in Nanjing, China, from June 21-26, 2019
Application deadline: April 28, 2019
Download application form [Word]
Download program description [Word]

Since the early 21th century, Islamic Studies has become an important topic around the world. Nanjing University (Institute of Mongol-Yuan Studies) has organized four rounds of “Dialogue between Chinese and Islamic Civilizations” sponsored by Nanjing University and the Harvard-Yenching Institute in 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2010. These dialogues were undertaken to improve scholarly understanding of Islam in China, especially its development in the Chinese context. It is clear now that Chinese Muslim scholars of the Ming-Qing period have used the Chinese language as well as Confucian concepts and terms in formulating a Chinese Islamic theory.

This summer, Nanjing University (Institute of Mongol-Yuan Studies) will organize a training workshop for young scholars in the field of Cultural Study on the Medieval Silk Road with a focus on Arabic Materials and Research Methodology to continue the above-mentioned work. The workshop is co-sponsored by Nanjing University and the Harvard-Yenching Institute.

The framework of program:

1. Dates and place: June 21-26, 2019, Nanjing University (Hopkins-Nanjing Center).
2. Theme: Cultural Study on Medieval Silk Road: Arabic Materials and Research Methodology.

The program will focus on the current trend(s) in the studies on medieval Arabic source materials and their significance on the studies of the Silk Road, medieval China studies, and Central Asian studies; research methodology; comparative studies of Arabic-Chinese medieval materials as well as general understanding of Islamic civilization.

3. Topics covered by the program:
   1. Overview of medieval Arabic source material and its significance for the studies of the Silk Road and medieval Inner Asian studies
   2. Research methodology of medieval Arabic studies
   3. Case Studies: Arabic-Persian source materials for Silk Road Studies, Mongol-Yuan Studies, and Inner Asian Studies
   4. Comparative studies of Arabic-Chinese medieval materials
   5. Understanding of Islamic civilization based on medieval Arabic material studies
   6. Finding medieval Arabic-Persian materials online
4. Languages: Lectures will be given in Chinese and English. Both Chinese and English language proficiency are required. Rudimentary Arabic language skill will be very helpful.
5. Attendees: Up to 20 young scholars (junior faculty members, doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows). The Harvard-Yenching Institute may consider applications from Asia-based trainees for a very small number of HYI fellowships opportunities. 
6. Financial supports: Local accommodation and meals are covered by the workshop. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the attendees.  
7. Application contacts: Sign, scan and send your application form with two letters of recommendation to:
   1. Chaoke (choge@smail.nju.edu.cn).
   2. Feng Junnan (nancybj@163.com)
   3. Hua Tao (huat@nju.edu.cn for contact from outside China) .
8. Application deadline: April 28, 2019. Acceptance notifications will be sent by May 20, 2019.
9. Inquiries: Please contact Professor Hua Tao <huat@nju.edu.cn> with any questions or to request further information.