PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION
Press Release
01 February 2006
Electrify Your Summer: Benjamin Franklin Fellowship call for Research Proposals
The Embassy of the United States of America and the British Association of American Studies (BAAS) are delighted to announce a call for academic research proposals for The Benjamin Franklin Fellowship, a research grant honouring the Tercentenary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most popular and best-known men in the late eighteenth century world, and the first American to become a household name in Europe.
The Benjamin Franklin Fellowship will honour Franklin by recognizing the huge range of his interests and experiences. The award will consist of a grant of $7,000 (approximately £4,000), sponsored by the Embassy of the United States of America, to fund a summer research trip to the United States.
Proposals are welcome for research on all topics from any field or time period that in any way relate to Benjamin Franklin or his wide range of interests. For example, Franklin began as a working class man, but rose to affluence and celebrated both his working origins and his later success in one of America's first and most significant autobiographies, a model of self-fashioning and self-presentation. He was deeply invested in transatlantic relations, both political and social, spending two decades in Britain and several years in France. He played a deeply influential role in local, state and federal government. He drafted and published the first political cartoon, conducted scientific research and concerned himself with abolition, female rights and education, as well as the rights of working men. Therefore those studying, amongst other subjects, literature, politics, philosophy, popular and visual culture as well as history are strongly encouraged to apply. Once the award is concluded, the successful winner will be required to write a short report for the BAAS newsletter, American Studies in Britain (ASIB) and to do a speaking engagement on the research trip and findings to be arranged by the U.S. Embassy.
Applicants should send four copies of a research proposal of not more than 500 words, explaining the research to be undertaken and the archives or materials that will be consulted. Applicants are encouraged to visit multiple locations in the United States in conducting their research, and should include a description of proposed travel in their proposal.
Research proposals should be sent, by the closing date, Friday March 17th 2006, to:
Professor Richard Crockatt
School of American Studies
University of East Anglia
Norwich
NR4 7TJ
The Benjamin Franklin Fellowship is being administered by the British Association for American Studies, NOT the U.S. Embassy. BAAS will conduct the selection. All research proposals and other inquires should be directed to the BAAS Selection Committee at the address above. BAAS gives preference in applications to its own members but encourages anyone within the academic community to apply for this award.
More information:
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