2010 Virginia and Derrick Sherman Emerging Scholar Lecture

The University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of History invites applications and nominations for the 2010 Virginia and Derrick Sherman Emerging Scholar Lecture. This year's topic is: Plagues and Pandemics: Contagion and Epidemic in Global Historical Perspective.

Proposals may address, but are not limited to, histories of the spread of infectious disease, disease and war, disease and commerce, efforts to eradicate disease, public health policy, and programs to promote public hygiene. Applicants are encouraged to explore the social, cultural, political, gendered and/or economic histories of their topics. Submissions concerning all time periods and all geographic regions are welcome.

The Sherman Lecture provides a forum for an outstanding junior scholar (untenured assistant professor or researcher) to offer his or her perspective on a selected topic. The Sherman Scholar will meet with undergraduate and graduate students, share his or her expertise with faculty members in history and related fields, and be available to the local media. The centerpiece of the scholar's visit will be the presentation of a major public address, which the university will subsequently publish.

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of scholarly accomplishment, relevance of the proposed talk to the year's theme, and evidence of ability in speaking before a diverse audience. The scholar will receive an honorarium of $5,000. The lectureship will take place on the UNCW campus October 20-22, 2010.

Applicants should provide a title and brief description of the lecture they propose to deliver. Please send a letter of interest, current c.v., the names and e-mail addresses of three references, and a recent scholarly publication to Dr. Taylor Fain, Department of History, UNC Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5957. We also welcome nominations that are accompanied by contact information.

The deadline for submission is March 31, 2010. Finalists must be available for telephone interviews before May 31, 2010.

Any additional questions can be directed toward Taylor Fain at: fainwt@uncw.edu.