Funded PhD Opportunity Gender, Violence and Nationalism in Performance

This opportunity is now closed.

Subject: Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies

Summary

The relationship between violence and the formation of gender (de Lauretis), and the role of violence in reinforcing and reinscribing normative conceptions of gender, is increasingly an area of investigation. Carine Mardorossian (2014) argues that all violence is sexual violence, because it operates to reinforce hierarchies of power and strength that are normatively gendered. While such hierarchies have usually been interpreted as materializing masculine strength and power and feminine vulnerability, recent work by Judith Butler, Erinn Gilson and Ann V Murphy approach vulnerability as an ontological human quality. This opens new areas for exploration of the performative and performed relationships of gender, violence, and vulnerability. Proposed projects may examine aspects of violence and gender in performance: within theatre and drama, or in a broader performance studies context to include protests, marches, and public performances of political identity. Proposals to variously examine the relationship of gender and violence to contemporary nationalism (both ‘left’ and ‘right’ wing) are particularly welcomed.

Essential Criteria

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) Degree or equivalent from a UK institution (or overseas award deemed to be equivalent via UK NARIC)

Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

First Class Honours (1st) Degree
Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
Work experience relevant to the proposed project
Experience of presentation of research findings
Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Funding

Vice Chancellors Research Scholarships (VCRS)

The scholarships will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of £15,009 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students.

DFE

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £15,009 per annum for three years. EU applicants will only be eligible for the fees component of the studentship (no maintenance award is provided). For Non EU nationals the candidate must be "settled" in the UK.