The KU Leuven Research Group Dutch Literature gathers junior and senior researchers with a wide variety of interests and expertise around the teaching and critical study of literature from the Low Countries, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Particular attention is paid to the ways in which literature functions across different historical periods and cultural contexts. The research group also examines Dutch literature within an international context.
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Project
Sense/ory Negotiations. Special Poetry Editions in Flemish literary culture (1900-2020) is a doctoral project funded by FWO Flanders and supervised by Prof. Linde De Potter (KU Leuven). This project studies the role of special editions of poetry in Flemish literary culture (1900–2020) and examines how their materiality shapes the experience of literary reading. Unlike mainstream editions, special poetry editions foreground their material form, offering a unique vantage point for studying how visual and tactile features also shape literary reading. Although the past several decades have witnessed a material turn in literary studies, and the materiality of the literary book has received increasing scholarly attention in fields such as book history and media studies, literary scholars still tend to privilege textual meaning over material medium. This is particularly true for modern Dutch-language poetry in Flanders. By tracing their production and circulation across more than a century, the project will (1) provide the first systematic overview of this practice, (2) analyze its evolution and role within Flemish literary culture, and (3) develop a framework to capture the interplay between textual and sensory dimensions in the act of reading.
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake the following tasks:
- Complete a doctoral dissertation on special poetry editions in Flemish literary culture (1900–2020) within a four-year period under the supervision of Professor Linde De Potter. Working hours are flexible and clearly defined, and the candidate is expected to work on campus at least three to four days per week.
- Conduct research in Belgian libraries and heritage institutions, and contribute to the collection and management of research data.
- Disseminate preliminary research findings through scholarly publications in journals and edited volumes, presentations within the research group and at national and international conferences and workshops.
- Participate in the doctoral training programme. In addition, the candidate will devote a designated amount of their time to teaching activities.
- Contribute to initiatives aimed at communicating research findings to a broader public.
- Collaborate with fellow doctoral researchers and academic staff within KU Leuven and with external research partners.
Profile
- You hold a Master’s degree in Literary Studies, Language and Literature, or Cultural Studies (or an equivalent Master’s degree).
- You have excellent academic writing and communication skills in Dutch and an academic-level proficiency in English.
- You have an interest in modern Dutch poetry and in the relationship between text and materiality.
- You are passionate about literature and reading, and are motivated to become an excellent researcher in the field of Dutch literary studies.
- You are able to work independently and possess strong organizational skills. In addition, you enjoy working in a team and are willing to take an active role within the research group and the Literary Studies and Cultural Studies Research Unit.
- Knowledge of the literary field in Flanders in the modern and contemporary period is considered an asset.
Offer
We offer a full-time doctoral fellowship (BAP) for four years in an intellectually stimulating and collaborative environment. The appointment is initially for one year. Following a positive academic evaluation, this period will be extended once by an additional three years. A budget for research-related expenses (such as travel costs) is provided. More information about the application procedure, salary, and working conditions at KU Leuven can be found at https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/academisch-personeel/academic-staff-research-education-informatie.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Linde De Potter, mail: [email protected].
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
