Assistant in the field of History of Education

The research unit Education, Culture and Society explores education, pedagogy, and formative practices as historically, socially, and culturally embedded phenomena. Its mission is to contribute to the development of educational practices that help shape individual and collective life. The unit’s research addresses pressing societal issues—rooted in historical contexts—that challenge how individuals and communities give meaning to their lives. These issues are approached as public and pedagogical questions that concern all, highlighting the need for distinctively educational responses. The unit is also committed to investigating the meaning of the discipline of education and the role of the educator / pedagogue.

The Centre for the History of Education, a subunit of the research group, focuses specifically on the historical study of pedagogical concepts, theories, and educational systems. It employs a range of methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and historical sources—including visual materials, oral history, archival documents, and published sources such as textbooks and pedagogical journals. The Centre also critically reflects on how historical studies in education are written, constructed and represented, and considers the relevance of historical perspectives in contemporary educational debates.

Project

As an Assistant, you will devote approximately 60% of your time to the preparation of a doctoral dissertation in the history of education and 40% to teaching and service-related tasks.

Research he selected candidate will prepare a PhD dissertation under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sarah Van Ruyskensvelde. The research will be situated within the framework of the “temporal turn”—a recent approach within the humanities, emphasizing the significance and role of time and temporality. In the field of historical studies in education, this shift challenges a conception of time as purely linear and chronological, instead highlighting an understanding of time as a historically situated phenomenon. This doctoral project will explore how “time” was experienced, constructed, and represented in the history of education, and how temporality shaped pedagogical thought and educational practice in the past. Candidates are invited to develop a concrete research proposal addressing this temporal dimension in historical schooling. Possible themes include :

• On 'Regimes of Historicity' : Temporal Schemes in Educational Policy and Discourse

This project investigates how relationships between past, present, and future were constructed in national or international educational policies. What temporal concepts (e.g., progress, decline, acceleration, deceleration) appear in these discourses and / or policies? Were reforms framed as breaks from the past, or as returns to an idealized tradition? By analyzing policy documents, pedagogical journals, and public debates, this research project aims to provide insight into the ways in which time and ‘temporal evolution and change’ have structured discourses, policies and understandings of educational reform.

This project examines how reformers, teachers, and policymakers in the past have envisioned the futures of schooling. Drawing on historical sources such as pedagogical journals, policy documents, and the popular press, this study explores historical patterns of hope and fear linked to the promises of educational innovation.

Inspired by Henri Lefebvre’s Rhythmanalysis, this project looks at how school routines and rhythms (e.g., timetables, bells, seasons) have structured the organization of schooling and educational experiences in the past. The study will consider both formal time regulations and lived experiences of time, using sources like school rules, diaries, lesson plans, schedules, and oral histories. Candidates may choose to elaborate a proposal on one of these themes or propose a related topic aligned with the temporal turn in historical studies in education. Teaching and Service-Related Tasks

Profile

Offer

We offer a full-time (100%) appointment for an initial period of two years, renewable up to two times. In total 6 years. Remuneration in scale 43 of KU Leuven.

Interested?

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.