Federal University of Sergipe to Award Honorary Doctorate to Historian Kenneth Maxwell

05/22/2024
By Federal University of Sergipe

The English professor has been recognized for his contributions to the field of Iberian history and relations between Brazil and Portugal

On June 5, at 5pm, the Rectory Auditorium will host the ceremony to award the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to English writer, historian and professor Kenneth Robert Maxwell.

At 83, Maxwell has been recognized as an important Brazilianist and a specialist in Iberian history, having published, among a dozen works, “A devassa da devassa – A Inconfidência Mineira: Brasil e Portugal 1750-1808” and the biography “Marquês de Pombal: paradoxo do iluminismo”.

The highest honor granted by the UFS, the title of Doctor Honoria Causa will be conferred on Professor Maxwell for “his contributions to the advancement of knowledge in History and in relations between Brazil and Portugal, distinguishing his remarkable academic career”.

III International Symposium

The ceremony to award the title will be part of the closing ceremony of the III International Pombaline Symposium, whose theme is: “Paradoxes of the Enlightenment: a tribute to Kenneth Maxwell”.

The symposium begins on June 3 and is organized by the Marquês de Pombal Chair (Camões, I.P. / UFS), of which the English historian is an honorary member. Check out the full program here.

The Title

The award of Doctor Honoris Causa to Professor Maxwell was proposed by the Postgraduate Program in Education (PPGED) and approved by the University Council, through Resolution No. 55/2023/Consu.

According to the UFS Statute, the title is awarded to personalities who have distinguished themselves in terms of their knowledge, whether through their work on behalf of Philosophy, Science, Technology, Arts and Letters, or for better understanding between peoples or in defense of human rights.

Biography

Kenneth Robert Maxwell holds a BA and MA in History from Cambridge University and a PhD in the same field from Princeton University. Having worked in various teaching and research institutions around the world, since 2004 he has been a visiting professor at Harvard University.

Credit Photo: Luís Otávio Pagano Tasso/Cátedra Jaime Cortesão (Camões, I.P. / USP)]