Ph.D. Scholarship Digital discussions and political participation Short description This research project aims to distinguish which features of public discussions conducted with the aid of Internet-based communication facilities contribute to an increased political awareness and action on the part of participants in the discussions. The project also aims to assess whether and how different forms of communicative exchange, initiated from 'above' and from 'below', create different types, qualities and effects of political participation. Requirements * MA in communication studies or other relevant study; * knowledge of and preferably experience with Internet-based discussions; * knowledge of and preferably experience with research into political communication processes; * knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods on content analysis and user research; * fluency in Dutch or ability to gain working competence in the language in a short period of time. Position The candidate selected to participate in this research project will be expected to complete a Ph.D. dissertation within four years. During that period the selected candidate will receive a stipend of minimally 3700 NLG (1681 Euro) per month. Additional funds are available for attending international conferences, special courses and computer facilities. Further Information The research will be supervised by: Prof.Dr. Kees Brants, <Brants@pscw.uva.nl>, phone: +31 20 525 3995 Dr. Nicholas Jankowski, <nickjan@xs4all.nl>, phone: +31 24 361 2372 Persons interested in further information are requested to contact either of the project supervisors. A more extensive description of the project can be found on the web site of the Amsterdam School of Communication Research: http://www.pscw.uva.nl/ascor/frame.htm How to apply Applications should contain: *A letter of motivation *CV *Copies of diplomas (including lists of courses attended and grades received. If not in English or Dutch, please append translations) *Copy of the Master thesis Applications should be sent by May 28, 2001, to: ASCoR, Dr. S. Zwier, researchmanager ASCoR, Oude Hoogstraat 24, 1012 CE Amsterdam The Netherlands