Find Academic Supervisors

• Soviet History
• Political Violence
• Intellectual History
• +6 more

Dr. James Ryan is a Senior Lecturer in Modern European (Russian) History at the School of History, Archaeology and Religion , Cardiff University. His work focuses on the intellectual history of Soviet state violence and the ideological foundations of Bolshevik dictatorship . With publications and ongoing research projects spanning political violence , Stalinism , and historical memory in contemporary Russia , Dr. Ryan provides critical insights into the paradoxes of revolutionary regimes. Education : Ph.D. in Modern History (2010, National University of Ireland, Cork); BA First Class (2005, NUI Cork) Professional Affiliations : Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, member of ASEEES and BASEES His research interrogates the relationship between violence and ideology in Soviet history, seeking to understand how a regime founded on emancipatory principles became the most violent in modern European peacetime history. Current projects include the monograph The Limits of Utopia: An Intellectual History of Soviet State Violence, 1917-1939 , supported by a Gerda Henkel Foundation Scholarship . Dr. Ryan also explores historical memory in post-Soviet Russia , analyzing how the Soviet past shapes contemporary political narratives. Key scientific awards include: 2022-23: Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship 2017: Fellow of the Royal Historical Society 2015-17: Erasmus Plus International Credit Mobility award Dr. Ryan has served as reviews editor for Revolutionary Russia journal since 2015 and maintains active supervision of PhD students in areas spanning inter-war Soviet political history, political violence analysis, and post-Soviet memory studies.

• Enlightenment Studies
• Early Modern Literature
• Moral Philosophy
• +3 more

Konstanze Baron, Ph.D., is a Visiting Professor at the Gotha Research Centre of the University of Erfurt. Her work bridges Enlightenment studies , moral philosophy , and 18th-century European literature , with a focus on Diderot, Rousseau, and cross-disciplinary intellectual history. Research Interests: Self and Other in Enlightenment autobiographical texts Experimental narratives and pedagogical frameworks Theater from Classicism to French Revolution Moral philosophy and literary anthropology Institutional political theory Rhetoric and speech act theory Selected Publications include monographs on Diderot’s narratives and co-edited volumes exploring Enlightenment perfectionism, Rousseau’s institutional paradoxes, and cross-cultural dialogues. Her recent 2023 article on Voltaire’s L’Ingénu examines critical social philosophy. Contact: konstanze.baron@uni-erfurt.de

Adnan AlgülView profile

Associate Professor

• Islamic Law
• Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
• Family Law in Islam
• +7 more

Dr. Adnan Algül is an Associate Professor at Gaziantep University, Faculty of Theology, Department of Fundamental Islamic Sciences. With over a decade of academic experience, he has established himself as a prominent scholar in Islamic Law and Jurisprudence. His educational background includes: Doctorate (2013-2016): Gaziantep University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Basic Islamic Sciences Master's Degree (2009-2012): Atatürk University, Institute of Social Sciences, Islamic Law (with thesis) Licence (2005-2007): Ankara University, Faculty of Theology, Theology Undergraduation Completion (Distance Education) Associate Degree (2003-2005): Anadolu University, Faculty of Open Education, Department of Theology (Associate Degree, Open Education) Dr. Algül's primary research interests focus on Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, with particular emphasis on Family Law, Legal Procedure, and Criminal Law within the Islamic framework. His scholarly work explores the application of classical Islamic legal principles to contemporary issues, bridging traditional scholarship with modern challenges. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of Usul al-Fiqh (Islamic Legal Theory) and its practical applications in various spheres of life, from personal status matters to commercial transactions. His research demonstrates a deep engagement with both classical texts and contemporary interpretations across different Islamic legal schools. Dr. Algül's extensive publication record reveals a strong focus on the practical application of Islamic law to modern contexts. His recent works examine topics ranging from digital technologies and their implications for Islamic jurisprudence to contemporary economic issues through the lens of Islamic legal principles. A notable trend in his scholarship is the examination of traditional Islamic legal concepts like Maslaha (public interest) and Zarurat (necessities) in addressing modern challenges. His research spans multiple subfields including family law, legal theory, commercial law, and the intersection of technology with Islamic legal principles. As an academic advisor, Dr. Algül has supervised numerous graduate theses across various aspects of Islamic Law. His students have explored diverse topics within Islamic jurisprudence, reflecting his broad expertise and mentorship in guiding research on both classical and contemporary issues in Islamic Law. His academic leadership extends to administrative roles at Gaziantep University, where he has served in various capacities including Head of Department and Member of the Faculty Board of Directors.

Mustafa KeskinView profile

Associate Professor

• Quranic Studies
• Arabic Language and Rhetoric
• Classical Arabic Literature
• +3 more

Associate Professor Mustafa Keskin currently serves at Gaziantep University's Faculty of Theology , where he holds dual roles in the Department of Fundamental Islamic Sciences and the Department of Arabic Language and Rhetoric . With a career spanning over a decade, he has contributed extensively to Islamic theology, Arabic linguistics, and Quranic exegesis through publications, supervised theses, and editorial work. Doctorate in Basic Islamic Sciences from Gaziantep University (2017) Master’s in Tafsir from Harran University (2013) Licence in Theology from Ankara University (2010) Associate Degree in Theology from Anadolu University (2008) Licence in Business Administration from Anadolu University (2002) His research focuses on Quranic rhetoric , Araic linguistic structures , classical Islamic texts , and comparative exegesis . He has authored 13 books/chapters and 18 scholarly articles, emphasizing semantic analysis, historical linguistics, and literary devices in religious texts. Recent publications highlight trends in Araic grammar (e.g., Teysîru’n-Nahv Bağlamında , 2023), Quranic hermeneutics (e.g., Tefsirde Nahivin Rolü , 2019), and Islamic literary criticism (e.g., Bedî İlminde Tıbâk Sanatı , 2023). His work bridges classical Islamic scholarship with modern linguistic methodologies. Mustafa Keskin has guided 16 graduate students to completion, including PhD theses on Quranic semantics and master’s theses on prophetic narratives. Former roles include Department Head (2019–present) and Editorial Board Member at international publishing houses.

• Rhetoric
• Political Communication
• Classical Rhetorical Theory
• +5 more

David Hoffman is a Professor in the Department of Public Affairs at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College, City University of New York. His academic career spans over two decades, with a focus on the intersection of rhetoric, history, and politics. He has taught numerous courses including Rhetoric and Public Affairs, Civic and Political Speech-Making, and Communication in Public Settings. Hoffman received his Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa in 2000, following an M.A. in Rhetoric and Communications from Temple University and a B.A. in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. His educational background also includes specialized training in Rhetorics of Inquiry at the University of Iowa. Professor Hoffman's research centers on classical rhetorical theory and rhetorical criticism of political figures, both historical and contemporary. His work explores how language shapes political understanding, with particular attention to Thomas Paine's writings, urban renewal narratives, and the rhetoric of social movements. He has conducted communication development sessions for major New York institutions including the Leadership Academy, NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, and the Greater New York Hospital Association. His research methodology spans traditional rhetorical analysis to cutting-edge digital humanities approaches for textual analysis. An analysis of Hoffman's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the rhetoric of religion and politics, particularly examining Thomas Paine's works and their historical context. His scholarship demonstrates a methodological evolution from traditional rhetorical criticism to incorporating digital humanities tools. The publications also show increasing engagement with practical applications of rhetorical theory in public policy contexts, especially regarding urban governance and democratic deliberation. Multiple Faculty Achievement Awards (2003-2012) Mellon Fellow at the Center for the Humanities, CUNY Grad Center (2008) Spring Best Dissertation Award from American Society for the History of Rhetoric (2000) Center for Advanced Technology Certificate from Temple University (2000) Top paper selection for 'Cross-Examining Scripture' (2011) Professor Hoffman has secured multiple research grants through the PSC-CUNY program, including projects on collective memory in Gallipoli commemorative speeches, mayoral crime rhetoric, and systematic differences between presidential and mayoral speeches. His service includes chairing the Diversity Committee and serving on numerous college committees including the Academic Review Committee and Curriculum Committee. He has also been active in professional organizations including the Rhetoric Society of America and the American Society for the History of Rhetoric, serving on editorial review boards and as a conference panel reviewer.

Bernhard OestreichView profile

Professor

• Biblical Exegesis
• New Testament Studies
• Homiletics
• +5 more

Prof. Bernhard Oestreich is a Professor of New Testament at Friedensau Theological College since 1978. His career spans over four decades, focusing on Biblical Exegesis, Homiletics, and Performance Criticism. He earned his Ph.D. from Andrews University in 1997 and has held pastoral roles in Leipzig and Güstrow (1971–1977). Education: High School Diploma (1967), Theology Diploma (Friedensau, 1971), M.Div. Equivalency (Andrews, 1980), Ph.D. (Andrews, 1997) His research explores Pauline epistles , apocalyptic symbolism , and ritual theology , with a focus on performance criticism and intercultural interpretations. Articles like Investigations into the Sound’s Message of Philippians (2018) and Metaphors and Similes for Yahweh in Hosea (1998) reflect his interdisciplinary approach blending literary analysis, theology, and ritual studies. His publications examine ecclesiological dynamics , moral tensions in early Christian communities, and liturgical practices , including translations of his work into Croatian, Czech, and French. He has contributed to Adventist ecumenical theology through works on baptism, footwashing, and the doctrine of the Trinity.

Heinrich Schlange-SchöningenView profile

Professor

• Roman History
• Late Antiquity
• History of Classical Studies
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Heinrich Schlange-Schöningen is a Professor of Ancient History at the University of Saarland, where he has been teaching since 2006. He is a member of the Philosophical Faculty and has held significant administrative positions including Dean of Studies (2010-2014) and Dean of the Philosophical Faculty (2018-2020). He is also a member of the Cluster for European Research (CEUS) since 2021 and a Collegium member since 2024. His educational background includes: Born in 1960 in Lüneburg 1979: Abitur at Max-Planck-Gymnasium in Göttingen 1982-1987: Studied history, religious studies, and philosophy in Berlin and Bordeaux 1988: Maîtrise d'Histoire from University of Bordeaux 1993: PhD on late antique education system 2002: Habilitation on Roman society in Galen's works 2004: Member of the School of Historical Studies at Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton Professor Schlange-Schöningen's research focuses on Roman history of the imperial period and late antiquity, with particular interest in the history of classical studies, Attic democracy and its modern reception, and Greek experiences of flight and foreignness and their impact on contemporary European discourse. His work often bridges ancient history with modern intellectual history, examining how ancient concepts have shaped modern European thought and political discourse. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on Galen, Jerome, and Constantine the Great, with increasing attention to the reception of ancient history in modern political contexts, including Nazi Germany's use of Augustus imagery. He has also been exploring food and nutrition in late antiquity, boundary formation in the Roman Empire, and colonial discourses in 19th century German classical scholarship, revealing the complex interplay between ancient history and modern political thought. Professor Schlange-Schöningen has been actively involved in numerous collaborative research projects and edited volumes, particularly those related to European cultural foundations and historical research. His work with the CEUS demonstrates his commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to understanding European history and identity formation.

Charlotta Seiler BryllaView profile

Professor

• Political Discourse Analysis
• Language and Power
• Totalitarian Language Studies
• +7 more

Charlotta Seiler Brylla is Professor of German at Stockholm University's Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German, where she has worked since 2009. Prior to this, she was a Postdoc at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin from 2006-2009. She received her PhD in German from Stockholm University in 2003. Her research focuses on the connection between language, society, politics and power through linguistic concept/text and discourse analyses. She specializes in political discourse analysis with emphasis on totalitarian language use in NS-Germany and DDR, right-wing populist discourse, Swedish-German relations, and the semiotics of antisemitism. She leads the research group 'Network Language and Power,' which examines how language shapes power dynamics in increasingly polarized societies. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on contemporary political discourse in Germany, including analyses of right-wing populism, East-West German identity, and the linguistic strategies employed in political communication. She has published extensively in both Swedish and German academic journals and media outlets, demonstrating her commitment to public engagement with academic research. Current major project: 'Antisemitic manifestations - the semiotics of antisemitism in Sweden and experiences among Jewish youth' (with Gustav Westberg and Henning Årman) Teaches German at all levels and supervises theses focused on linguistics Developed the course 'Linguistic Discourse Analysis' and thematic module 'Language and Power' for the Faculty of Humanities Graduate School Professor Seiler Brylla actively contributes to public discourse through media appearances, radio programs, and public debates on topics such as populism, political language, and German-Swedish relations. Her work bridges academic research and public understanding of how language shapes political reality.

Paul RobertsonView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Cognitive Science of Religion
• Ancient Mediterranean Religion
• History of Western Thought
• +7 more

Paul Robertson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Classics, Humanities and Italian Studies at the University of New Hampshire. He holds a Ph.D. from Brown University and a B.A. from Reed College, with expertise spanning ancient Mediterranean religion, philosophy, and the cognitive science of religion. His academic work bridges classical studies, religious theory, and cognitive science. Robertson's research interests include Ancient/Medieval Philosophy, Classical Studies, Cognitive Sciences, Comparative Religion, Early Christianity, Late Antiquity studies, and the Theory of religion. He particularly focuses on the origins of big ideas in western thought, tracing the diverse influences on modern understandings of morality, justice, virtue, health and spirituality. His work in the cognitive science of religion investigates how the human brain's biological evolution shapes religious beliefs and practices across cultures. His publications reveal a consistent focus on quantitative approaches to religious studies, ancient textual analysis, and the intersection of cognitive science with historical religious phenomena. Recent work has explored mind-based models of religion, statistical analysis of Paul's letters, and the cognitive underpinnings of religious imagery like shadows in the New Testament. Course Development Grant in Global Religion, "Religion and Cognition" (awarded by University of Notre Dame & Templeton Foundation, 2019) Cognitive and Neurological Approaches to the Study of Religious Beliefs (awarded by UNH College of Liberal Arts, 2018) New Hampshire Humanities Collaborative (NHHC) (awarded by Mellon Foundation, 2025-2027) Robertson teaches a diverse range of courses including Classical Mythology, Introduction to Humanities, Greek & Roman Religion, and specialized seminars on ancient views of the good life. His teaching spans from 2017 to 2025, demonstrating ongoing active engagement in undergraduate education across multiple disciplines within the humanities.

• Theology
• Religious Studies
• Biblical Studies
• +4 more

Luísa Maria Almendra is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Theology , Catholic University of Portugal , and a researcher at the Center for Research in Theology and Religious Studies (CITER) . She holds a PhD in Theology from the Catholic University of Portugal and a Licentiate in Biblical Sciences from the Pontificium Institutum Biblicum.

Christoph BultmannView profile

Professor

• Old Testament Studies
• Biblical Hermeneutics
• Enlightenment Theology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Christoph Bultmann serves as Professor of Biblical Studies (Evangelical Theology) at the University of Erfurt , where he has held this position since 2001. His academic journey includes roles as a Temporary Lecturer at King's College London (2000–2001), Visiting Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge (1999–2000), and Acting Chair at the University of Giessen (1998–1999). He received his doctorate (1990) and habilitation (1997) at the University of Göttingen. Research Focus: Biblical hermeneutics, Enlightenment theology, interfaith dialogue, historical-critical method, and re-examination of Reformation-era texts. Key Publications: Contributions to debates on Luther's Jewish reception, Herder's biblical interpretation, and Gülen movement analysis. His recent articles explore Genesis 22 interpretations , Quranic exegesis , and Herder's 'natural religion' concept. Bultmann has received prestigious awards including the Feodor Lynen Fellowship (1999–2000) and German Research Foundation Scholarships (1991–1992, 1994). He actively engages in academic editing and public theological discourse , particularly regarding Turkey's political-religious dynamics.

Phillip John UsherView profile

Associate Professor

• Renaissance Studies
• Classical Reception
• Epic Literature
• +6 more

Phillip John Usher, Associate Professor of French at New York University, specializes in Renaissance Studies, classical reception, and interdisciplinary explorations of geography, ecology, and visual culture. His research interrogates the complex relationships between literary epics and artistic production during the French Renaissance. Current project: The Humanist Anthropocene Key methodologies: Literary criticism, art history, spatial theory Professor Usher's monograph Epic Arts in the French Renaissance examines visual-literary dissonance in Renaissance epic production, analyzing works by Ronsard, Dolet, and d'Aubigné. His Errance et Cohérence explores Renaissance spatial concepts through transnational literature, while his annotated translation of Ronsard's Franciade revitalized this foundational text for English audiences. Research interests include: Renaissance epic literature and its artistic connections Classical mythological reception in early modern Europe Geographic and ecological thought in 16th-century France Visual studies and architectural representations in literature Recent publications investigate: Crete's symbolic role in Ronsard's Franciade (2017) Prophetic architecture in d'Aubigné's Parisian works (2009) Virgil's influence on 1530s Limoges enamels (2012)

• Sufism
• Arabic Language and Rhetoric
• Kalam
• +2 more

Muhammed Nur Kaplan serves as a full-time Lecturer in the Department of Fundamental Islamic Sciences at Karabuk University's Faculty of Islamic Sciences since 2022, concurrently holding the Department Head position from 2023-2024 and 2024-2027. Education: Bachelor's Degree, Aleppo University, Syria (2025) Master's Degree, Damascus University, Syria (2025) PhD in Fundamental Islamic Sciences, Karabuk University, Turkey (2021) His research centers on Sufism, Arabic Language and Rhetoric, and Kalam, with emphasis on mystical unity (Vahdet-i Vücûd), contemporary Sufi movements across Anatolia and the Middle East, and classical Islamic theological discourse. Key contributions include analyses of Rumi's transcendent discourse and Sufi thought in modern Syrian contexts. Publication trends reveal focused exploration of Sufi social impacts and cross-cultural discourse, particularly examining Baghdad's contemporary Sufi movements and Aleppo's religious dynamics through analytical frameworks. Advising: Bınangkıt Gumılang (Master's, 2025): Divine concepts in religious pluralism Nemat Ahmad (Master's, 2024): Religious values in refugee family social competence Fryad Mohammedameen Sulaıman Sulaıman (PhD, 2024): God's speech in Al-Qadi Abd al-Jabbar and Fakhr al-Din al-Razi Yousef Karazı (Master's, 2024): Contextual effects in Quranic interpretation Mohammed Younus Mohammed Tooıak (Master's, 2023): Sarakhsi's methodology in custom and tradition Grants: Iraq University Manuscript Library Catalog Archiving project (2024-2025) as Researcher

Karma R. ChávezView profile

Associate Professor

• Queer of color theory
• Women of color feminism
• Rhetorical criticism
• +7 more

Karma R. Chávez is the Bobby and Sherri Patton Associate Professor and Chair of Mexican American and Latina/o Studies at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Liberal Arts. She holds cross-affiliations with the Department of Communication Studies, Department of Rhetoric and Writing, Center for Women's and Gender Studies, Center for Mexican American Studies, and the LGBTQ Studies Program. Research Interests: Centered on queer of color critique, coalition-building, and rhetorical analysis of social movements through text and fieldwork methodologies. Teaching: Offers courses in Mexican American Studies including Rhetoric of Ethnic Studies, Queer Migrations, and Interpretive Methods. Key Publications: Authored The Borders of AIDS: Race, Quarantine, and Resistance (2021) and co-edited volumes on rhetorical methods, gender studies, and feminist practices. Current projects include community-university collaborations in Wisconsin and creative non-fiction on Midwestern race dynamics. Media Contributions: Regular host of LatinXperts and Feminist Keywords podcasts, with radio work at WORT-FM. Academic Collaborations: Co-authored with scholars like Eithne Luibhéid, Cindy L. Griffin, and the Against Equality collective.

Zacharoula PetrakiView profile

Associate Professor

• Classical Philosophy
• Ancient Greek Literature
• Plato's Dialogues
• +4 more

Zacharoula Petraki is an Associate Professor at the University of Crete, affiliated with both the Department of Philology and the Department of Classical Studies. She holds degrees from the University of Crete (Bachelor 1999) and the University of Birmingham (MA, PhD), with her doctoral work completed under Professor Andrew Barker in 2005. University of Crete – Bachelor (1999) University of Birmingham – Master's and PhD Her research focuses on the intersection of literature and philosophy in ancient Greece, particularly Plato's works. Key areas include: Plato's philosophical engagement with visual/pictorial arts Metaphor and language in Platonic dialogues Imitation theories in classical aesthetics Body-soul dynamics in Republic and Phaedo Hero cult symbolism in Platonic texts Recent publications explore Plato's assimilation of sculpture, weaving, and dance to conceptualize moral/political participation and harmony. Her work has been funded by prestigious institutions including the British Academy, Harvard University's Center for Hellenic Studies, and the University of Cambridge's Jesus College.