Call for Applications (deadline: 22nd June 2026) 

The interdisciplinary Research Training Group 2792 „Autonomy of Heteronomous Texts in Antiquity and the Middle Ages“ at the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena invites applications for the International Summer School

"Heteronomous Texts in Roman and Germanic Law" 

taking place from 7 to 10 September 2026 at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität in Jena/Germany.

Poster International Summer School 2026 (Download)

Topic

Heteronomous texts appear in many forms in legal history. At first glance, their character seems obvious in the case of commentaries, as written in particular by late classical Roman jurists. On closer inspection, however, doubts arise as to whether the modern term “commentary” is justified at all. Conversely, there is genuine heteronomy in texts that do not reveal their dependence at all. This is not seldom the case with the legal texts of the early and high Middle Ages, which draw on ancient material but appear as independent works. In order to explore the full range of textual dependencies in ancient and medieval legal history, we will examine individual works from the period of late classical Roman jurisprudence to the German Middle Ages.

We are particularly looking forward to the discussion of research projects in the area of heteronomous texts that can be presented by the participants.

Working languages will be English and German.

Programme

The summer school takes place at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität in Jena/Germany from 7 September to 10 September 2026. 

In the course of the summer school we will attempt to shed light on typical traits of heteronomous texts by common lectures and presentations of typical examples of heteronomous texts.

Fees and Funding

No participation fees will be charged.

We can provide accommodation for the duration of the summer school as well as reimbursement of travel costs up to a total of 1.000 EUR for 10 international participants. In addition we can provide travel cost reimbursement for 5 participants coming from locations within Germany (max. 200 EUR).

Travel costs will be reimbursed according to the Thüringer Reisekostengesetz (Thuringian Travel Expenses Act).

Application requirements

• a master’s degree in one of the following disciplines: Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Church History, Medieval-Latin and Neo-Latin Philologies, History of the Middle Ages, Roman Law, Medieval German Literature, Ancient and Medieval Philosophy, Ancient History, Classical Philology (Greek and Latin)
• profound interest for legal questions
• sufficient knowlegde of Latin and substantial knowledge of German are required to understand the source texts which we will read
• a paper to be presented during the summer school

Application Documents and Procedure

To apply for the summer school, please send the following documents in one PDF-file to heteronome.texte@uni-jena.de:

• a letter of motivation (1,5 pages) which outlines your research experience with heteronomous texts as well as information on your knowledge of Latin and German
• Curriculum Vitae
• a short abstract of the paper you want to present during the summer school  

The deadline for application is 22nd June 2026.

Please note that the applicants for the summer school will be selected based on the quality of their application and their research experience. The total number of participants is restricted to 20.

If you are an international applicant, please indicate in your letter of motivation if you want to apply for funded accommodation and travel reimbursement (see 3. Fees and Funding)

If you plan to bring your child/ren to Jena and need child care, please contact us in advance to discuss if we can provide support.

Contacts

For questions related to the application procedure or other administrative matters, please contact Oliver Schmerbauch: heteronome.texte@uni-jena.de

For academic questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Jan Dirk Harke: jan.dirk.harke@uni-jena.de