The MCA has launched the second stage of its project and requires the assistance of scholars to write abstracts on academic books. The MCA project team can provide more information on abstract guidelines when requested.

The MCA is already publishing the first volume of a catalogue of abstracts concerning Muslim civilisations later this year. Now the MCA is looking to collect abstracts for the second volume of the catalogue. This is a unique opportunity for scholars to be published.

The abstracts will be on scholarly books that involve original research and analysis and advances in relevant methodology. All books must fit under any of the following three themes.

1) Major moments in the Muslim world:

Major historical moments in the Muslim world and how they have been received, perceived and interpreted in Muslim contexts throughout history and today

2) Ethics and Law:

Issues of normativity: ethics and law: usul al-fiqh/usul al-din; ijtihad (jurisprudence)

3) Cities:

As built environments (architecture, urban infrastructure); As lived environments (urban social life and culture)

Scholars select a book of their choice on which to write an abstract. Books written on these subjects can be in any language, but they must have been published in the Muslim world. Books published in Russia, China and India are welcomed, but the topic must focus on Muslim civilisations.

The MCA project (Muslim Civilisations Abstracts) was conceived as a means of furthering the study of Muslim societies by accessing scholarly literature about these societies in various languages. The aim is to unearth and share such knowledge across linguistic and cultural divides.

Further details of the project can be found on the Institute’s website at http://www.aku.edu/ismc/abp-d.shtml.

Key Responsibilities:
To survey and write brief abstracts of scholarly books selected by the Institute.

Requirements:

PhD and research experience in Middle Eastern, Indian, Oriental or Islamic Studies. PhD candidates who have completed an MA/MPhil and who are well advanced in their doctoral research will be considered;

Excellent proficiency in at least one of the following languages: Arabic, English, French, Malay/Indonesian, Persian, Russian, Turkish, Urdu. Knowledge of additional European and Asian languages, particularly Central Asian languages, will be an asset;

Good computer skills are required;

Disclaimer

AKU-ISMC is part of Aga Khan University (AKU), an international university with operations in ten countries. By submitting an application to AKU-ISMC you agree to revoke your rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 thereby permitting ISMC to share the contents of your application with relevant colleagues at our headquarters institution AKU Karachi, and with its nominated agents for the purpose of completing this recruitment exercise. AKU-ISMC does not communicate with candidates unless they are to be short-listed for interview.