Exciting funding opportunities for doctoral study in History at the University of Exeter

Professor Thomas and one PhD student will investigate the French side of the case studies; Professor Toye and the other PhD student the British.  The two students will also contribute to a project-related conference to be held in 2015.

History at Exeter is a thriving research culture, with over 95% of History’s research rated as being of international quality; much of it is considered world leading. History is also home to a number of specialist research centres. The ‘Rhetoric of Empire’ project is being conducted under the auspices of History’s Centre for the Study of War, State and Society of which Professor Thomas is a director. The successful candidates will be affiliated to the Centre and will be have the opportunity to contribute to its programme of workshops and seminars.

‘The Rhetoric of Empire’ project will use rhetorical analysis, and the investigation of rhetorical culture, to explore the ways in which imperial actions were publicly defended in Britain and France, often at the direct expense of the imperial rival. In so doing, it will analyse the rhetorical armoury of leading imperialist figures by examining flashpoints in the relationship between the two countries from the late nineteenth century to the Suez Crisis of 1956 from the contrasting perspectives of London and Paris. The focus will be on the phraseology employed, the imagery evoked, the historical precedents cited, and the appeals for support made, as well as on the exploitation of political space and symbols.

The deadline for applications is 6th September 2012. For full details of the awards and how to apply, please visit the University funding award web pages.