UNIGOU REMOTE - AVAILABLE TOPICS
Czech Technical University in Prague, Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies
Pre-Columbian Architecture
Topic Overview:
Pre-Columbian architecture enjoys constant worldwide interest of researchers, professionals, and the public. There are currently many new discoveries of pre-Columbian civilizations in Brazil, but the world public is not sufficiently informed about them, among other things, due to the language barrier. The work should contribute both to making new Brazilian discoveries accessible to the world public and to the study of the development of urban buildings and architecture in a global context.
Task:
The aim of the thesis will be to search for and process information about current (archaeological) discoveries of pre-Columbian architecture and urbanism, to collect information about them and to process them comprehensively in English.
Requirements:
No special skills are needed.
Outcomes:
Research report.
Pre-Columbian architecture enjoys constant worldwide interest of researchers, professionals, and the public. There are currently many new discoveries of pre-Columbian civilizations in Brazil, but the world public is not sufficiently informed about them, among other things, due to the language barrier. The work should contribute both to making new Brazilian discoveries accessible to the world public and to the study of the development of urban buildings and architecture in a global context.
Task:
The aim of the thesis will be to search for and process information about current (archaeological) discoveries of pre-Columbian architecture and urbanism, to collect information about them and to process them comprehensively in English.
Requirements:
No special skills are needed.
Outcomes:
Research report.
Charles University, Faculty of Humanities, Department of History
Varieties of Historical Antropology
Topic Overview:
This is a theme in the theory of history that interconnects the study of history and (socio)cultural anthropology. The interdiscipline of historical anthropology has taken many forms in various regions globally. A comparative approach is therefore both desirable and promising. Academic journals that set as their goal to pursue and promote the interdisciplinary study of history and cultural anthropology can serve as useful study material in this sense. In what ways have journals defined and shaped the field of historical anthropology, and what have been the regional varieties of this field of study globally?
Task:
1) identification of academic journals that have focused on historical anthropology and have paved the way for research in this field;
2) identification of programmes, objectives and research agendas that these journals have set and promoted;
3) formulation of research questions (jointly with the supervisor).
Requirements:
Master´s degree level, background in the study of history, (socio)cultural anthropology or both, an asset: reading knowledge of German.
Outcomes:
Literature review/bibliographic essay.
This is a theme in the theory of history that interconnects the study of history and (socio)cultural anthropology. The interdiscipline of historical anthropology has taken many forms in various regions globally. A comparative approach is therefore both desirable and promising. Academic journals that set as their goal to pursue and promote the interdisciplinary study of history and cultural anthropology can serve as useful study material in this sense. In what ways have journals defined and shaped the field of historical anthropology, and what have been the regional varieties of this field of study globally?
Task:
1) identification of academic journals that have focused on historical anthropology and have paved the way for research in this field;
2) identification of programmes, objectives and research agendas that these journals have set and promoted;
3) formulation of research questions (jointly with the supervisor).
Requirements:
Master´s degree level, background in the study of history, (socio)cultural anthropology or both, an asset: reading knowledge of German.
Outcomes:
Literature review/bibliographic essay.
Topic Overview:
After the Great Powers enforced the opening of the Japanese ports in the middle of the 50s of the 19th century most of the Great Powers followed a cautious policy. The statesmen in London, Washington, St. Petersburg and Paris were aware of the opportunities (especially economic) in Japan. However, they also appreciated the competition, which they had to challenge. Their diplomacy therefore carefully observed the internal situation of Japan, where the power and authority of the Tokugawa bakufu diminished. The British policy also had to challenge several crisis and problems connected with the anti-foreign movement, which culminated in a series of attacks against the British (and other foreign) nationals and their property. With regard to the fact, that these incidents were caused by the members of the anti-Shogunate clans, Britain initially tried to cooperate with the central government in Edo. France went even further and participated on the modernization of the Tokugawa army and supported the Shogunate government. However due to the policy of the bakufu, the British started to concentrate on the support of the anti-Tokugawa opposition. Britain and France therefore became rivals in Japan. This competition continued even during the first decades of the Meiji regime. In that time Britain contributed to the modernization of the Japanese fleet. France sent its army instructors to Japan and was engaged in the armament of the Japanese armed forces, although it had to challenge a competition of other European countries (especially Prussia) during this process. Both countries therefore significantly contributed to the modernization of Japan. On the other hand, other Great Powers had much more limited goals. The United States concentrated on their economic interest and Russia tried to gain territorial gains – especially the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, Hokkaido and the islands in the Tsushima strait – which was hindered by Britain. This project will therefore focus on the comparison of the influence and politics of the Great Powers in Japan in the second half of the 19th and the analysis of their interests and methods which they used to enforce them.
Tasks and Outcomes:
Depending on the agreement with the supervisor of the collaboration topic.
After the Great Powers enforced the opening of the Japanese ports in the middle of the 50s of the 19th century most of the Great Powers followed a cautious policy. The statesmen in London, Washington, St. Petersburg and Paris were aware of the opportunities (especially economic) in Japan. However, they also appreciated the competition, which they had to challenge. Their diplomacy therefore carefully observed the internal situation of Japan, where the power and authority of the Tokugawa bakufu diminished. The British policy also had to challenge several crisis and problems connected with the anti-foreign movement, which culminated in a series of attacks against the British (and other foreign) nationals and their property. With regard to the fact, that these incidents were caused by the members of the anti-Shogunate clans, Britain initially tried to cooperate with the central government in Edo. France went even further and participated on the modernization of the Tokugawa army and supported the Shogunate government. However due to the policy of the bakufu, the British started to concentrate on the support of the anti-Tokugawa opposition. Britain and France therefore became rivals in Japan. This competition continued even during the first decades of the Meiji regime. In that time Britain contributed to the modernization of the Japanese fleet. France sent its army instructors to Japan and was engaged in the armament of the Japanese armed forces, although it had to challenge a competition of other European countries (especially Prussia) during this process. Both countries therefore significantly contributed to the modernization of Japan. On the other hand, other Great Powers had much more limited goals. The United States concentrated on their economic interest and Russia tried to gain territorial gains – especially the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, Hokkaido and the islands in the Tsushima strait – which was hindered by Britain. This project will therefore focus on the comparison of the influence and politics of the Great Powers in Japan in the second half of the 19th and the analysis of their interests and methods which they used to enforce them.
Tasks and Outcomes:
Depending on the agreement with the supervisor of the collaboration topic.
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Arts, Department of Historical Sciences
The Great Powers and Japan in the Second Half of the 19th Century
Topic Overview:
The aim of this course is to present and evaluate selected basic problems related to the Imperial (particularly British-Dominion perspectives and attitudes) history of the British Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries. It will focus on selected domestic, imperial foreign policy and inter-imperial issues related to the history of Great Britain and its empire (especially crown colonies and Dominions), which in the period were important for its development (constitutional relations, colonial wars, overseas disputes etc.) and in relation to international events (organization after the First World War – Paris Peace Conference –, British-American relations) and the challenges (nationalism, appeasement, decolonization process, international crisis and incidents etc.) it had to face.
Tasks and Outcomes:
Depending on the agreement with the supervisor of the collaboration topic.
The aim of this course is to present and evaluate selected basic problems related to the Imperial (particularly British-Dominion perspectives and attitudes) history of the British Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries. It will focus on selected domestic, imperial foreign policy and inter-imperial issues related to the history of Great Britain and its empire (especially crown colonies and Dominions), which in the period were important for its development (constitutional relations, colonial wars, overseas disputes etc.) and in relation to international events (organization after the First World War – Paris Peace Conference –, British-American relations) and the challenges (nationalism, appeasement, decolonization process, international crisis and incidents etc.) it had to face.
Tasks and Outcomes:
Depending on the agreement with the supervisor of the collaboration topic.
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Arts, Department of Historical Sciences
Selected Chapters from British Imperial History
Topic Overview:
This topic deals with British foreign policy in the first half of the 19th century, specifically the years 1814-1848. It is defined by British involvement at the Congress of Vienna and culminates with the revolutions of 1848. Emphasis will be placed primarily on British political activity in Europe. The period 1814-1848 was crucial in terms of European politics, where Britain played a key role and had a major influence on the direction of the future of the Continent.
Tasks and Outcomes:
Depending on the agreement with the supervisor of the collaboration topic.
This topic deals with British foreign policy in the first half of the 19th century, specifically the years 1814-1848. It is defined by British involvement at the Congress of Vienna and culminates with the revolutions of 1848. Emphasis will be placed primarily on British political activity in Europe. The period 1814-1848 was crucial in terms of European politics, where Britain played a key role and had a major influence on the direction of the future of the Continent.
Tasks and Outcomes:
Depending on the agreement with the supervisor of the collaboration topic.
University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Arts, Department of Historical Sciences
British Foreign Policy in the First Half of the 19th Century
Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Arts, Department of History
Family Memories and Forensic (Investigative) Genetic Genealogy
Topic Overview:
Genealogy, in other words, family history, is one of the world´s most widespread hobbies. For a few years now, millions of people around the world have been using genetic genealogy databases like Ancestry.com or GedMatch for this hobby. Recently, these databases have begun to be used by law enforcement agencies and investigative genetic genealogy was born. This topic combines research on family memories (as an integral part of the memory studies field), in particular the memories of WWII and communism, and investigative genetic genealogy.
Requirements:
The experience in genealogy and usage of the genetic genealogy databases is welcome. The knowledge of other languages (apart from English and Portuguese) is an advantage.
Genealogy, in other words, family history, is one of the world´s most widespread hobbies. For a few years now, millions of people around the world have been using genetic genealogy databases like Ancestry.com or GedMatch for this hobby. Recently, these databases have begun to be used by law enforcement agencies and investigative genetic genealogy was born. This topic combines research on family memories (as an integral part of the memory studies field), in particular the memories of WWII and communism, and investigative genetic genealogy.
Requirements:
The experience in genealogy and usage of the genetic genealogy databases is welcome. The knowledge of other languages (apart from English and Portuguese) is an advantage.
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Institute of History
Feud and Vengeance in Pre-Modern Latin America
Topic Overview:
Feud and vengeance belong to the concepts that are widely researched in the framework of European history. The topic has been explored from different standpoints for a long time and furthermore, an important intercultural perspective has been frequently applied recently. However, the research space for conducting such approach in the field of pre-modern Latin American history seems still unused.
Task:
The supervisor offers his experience and knowledge of research approaches to the topic. He will provide an applicant with methodological texts and assist him/her with the research.The applicant will be expected to get acquainted with the provided theory and methodology and then to work on the issue on his/her own applying the aforementioned approaches with the use of the Latin American scholarly literature and archives. The research output shall be published in English in the form of a journal article (percentage of supervisor´s and applicant´s share on the result is open for their common agreement after specification of the research scope).
Requirements:
Early modern history, history of political thought, social history.
Outcomes:
Article.
Feud and vengeance belong to the concepts that are widely researched in the framework of European history. The topic has been explored from different standpoints for a long time and furthermore, an important intercultural perspective has been frequently applied recently. However, the research space for conducting such approach in the field of pre-modern Latin American history seems still unused.
Task:
The supervisor offers his experience and knowledge of research approaches to the topic. He will provide an applicant with methodological texts and assist him/her with the research.The applicant will be expected to get acquainted with the provided theory and methodology and then to work on the issue on his/her own applying the aforementioned approaches with the use of the Latin American scholarly literature and archives. The research output shall be published in English in the form of a journal article (percentage of supervisor´s and applicant´s share on the result is open for their common agreement after specification of the research scope).
Requirements:
Early modern history, history of political thought, social history.
Outcomes:
Article.
University of Hradec Králové, Philosophical Faculty, Institute of History
The Concept of Republic in the Early Modern and Modern Political Thought
Topic Overview:
The question what the republic is has been almost covered in the 20th century with the contribution of the modern political science that classifies this system of government as the opposite to monarchical constitution. However, such approach totally neglects diverse meanings of the term “republic” which were linked to the broader tradition of republicanism in the early modern period from the 16th to the 19th century. If one takes this historical tradition of republicanism into consideration, it is necessary to admit that the concept of republic – based on the idea of popular sovereignty and the revival of ancient values – played a significant role in the struggle of European societies towards their political emancipation since the ideals of citizenship, political virtue and participation helped to transform the centralized absolutist systems into modern national and democratic states. In this regard, the question of possible link between the idea of republic and national as well as political emancipation in the environment of the Latin America is highly intriguing, since there might be important similarities between its social and political development in the 19th century with the trends identified in the space of Central and Eastern Europe.
Task:
The supervisor who has conducted systematic research of the Central European political thought from the 16th to the 19th century with the special focus on the history of republicanism will train the applicant concerning the skills of history of ideas, contextualist approaches based on the methodology of the Cambridge school and discourse analysis. The applicant will work on his/her own research of the republican political thought either in the context of Latin American political discourse or in the comparative framework with the emphasis on the European milieu (both options are possible and negotiable). As the main result of the research activity one can consider a journal article in English ready to be published in a renowned scientific journal (this article is supposed to be the common output of the supervisor and the applicant).
Requirements:
Early modern history, history of ideas, political theory and philosophy.
Outcomes:
Article.
The question what the republic is has been almost covered in the 20th century with the contribution of the modern political science that classifies this system of government as the opposite to monarchical constitution. However, such approach totally neglects diverse meanings of the term “republic” which were linked to the broader tradition of republicanism in the early modern period from the 16th to the 19th century. If one takes this historical tradition of republicanism into consideration, it is necessary to admit that the concept of republic – based on the idea of popular sovereignty and the revival of ancient values – played a significant role in the struggle of European societies towards their political emancipation since the ideals of citizenship, political virtue and participation helped to transform the centralized absolutist systems into modern national and democratic states. In this regard, the question of possible link between the idea of republic and national as well as political emancipation in the environment of the Latin America is highly intriguing, since there might be important similarities between its social and political development in the 19th century with the trends identified in the space of Central and Eastern Europe.
Task:
The supervisor who has conducted systematic research of the Central European political thought from the 16th to the 19th century with the special focus on the history of republicanism will train the applicant concerning the skills of history of ideas, contextualist approaches based on the methodology of the Cambridge school and discourse analysis. The applicant will work on his/her own research of the republican political thought either in the context of Latin American political discourse or in the comparative framework with the emphasis on the European milieu (both options are possible and negotiable). As the main result of the research activity one can consider a journal article in English ready to be published in a renowned scientific journal (this article is supposed to be the common output of the supervisor and the applicant).
Requirements:
Early modern history, history of ideas, political theory and philosophy.
Outcomes:
Article.
Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Arts, Department of History
Historical Dimension of Czechoslovak-Brazil Relations
Topic Overview:
Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic) and Brazil have a tradition of more than 100 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. However, historiographies on both sides of the Atlantic never researched them properly. Some topics were the object of interest but usually it was a one-sided interpretation. I believe this remote academic internship project can change it and introduce a modern internationalist approach and present both sides of a specific problem. Together with my Brazilian intern I plan to identify one specific chapter of Czechoslovak-Brazilian relations and research it from both perspectives. I will study the Czech archives and my counterpart the Brazilian ones, principally the Itamaraty historical archive. Together we will then write an article and submit it to a Scopus journal. Possible topics may be: Cold War cooperation; economic relations; cultural ties and so on.
Task:
Archival research and paper writing.
Requirements:
Interest in history and/or international relations. Experience with archival research is welcome.
Outcomes:
Collaborative publication of one article.
References:
http://dibrarq.arquivonacional.gov.br/index.php/arquivo-historico-do-itamaraty?sf_culture=en; http://ererio.itamaraty.gov.br/pt-br/arquivo_historico.xml; https://minrel.gob.cl/minrel/ministerio/archivo-general-historico/radi/archivo-de-la-cancilleria-de-brasil
Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic) and Brazil have a tradition of more than 100 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. However, historiographies on both sides of the Atlantic never researched them properly. Some topics were the object of interest but usually it was a one-sided interpretation. I believe this remote academic internship project can change it and introduce a modern internationalist approach and present both sides of a specific problem. Together with my Brazilian intern I plan to identify one specific chapter of Czechoslovak-Brazilian relations and research it from both perspectives. I will study the Czech archives and my counterpart the Brazilian ones, principally the Itamaraty historical archive. Together we will then write an article and submit it to a Scopus journal. Possible topics may be: Cold War cooperation; economic relations; cultural ties and so on.
Task:
Archival research and paper writing.
Requirements:
Interest in history and/or international relations. Experience with archival research is welcome.
Outcomes:
Collaborative publication of one article.
References:
http://dibrarq.arquivonacional.gov.br/index.php/arquivo-historico-do-itamaraty?sf_culture=en; http://ererio.itamaraty.gov.br/pt-br/arquivo_historico.xml; https://minrel.gob.cl/minrel/ministerio/archivo-general-historico/radi/archivo-de-la-cancilleria-de-brasil
