Berlin 8th – 10th of November 2014

This is a Course organised by the Comparative Research Network, Berlin in cooperation with VERA (Centre for Russian and Border Studies, University of Eastern Finland) and the Dag Hamarskjöld University College of International Relations and Diplomacy, Zagreb

Credits: 5 ECTS

Location: Berlin

Date: 8th of November - 10th of November 2014

Scientific Committee: Prof. James Scott, University of Eastern Finland, Comparative Research Network: Prof. Goran Bandov PhD, Dag Hamarskjöld University College of International Relations and Diplomacy, Prof. Ilkka Liikanen, Karelian Institute, University of Eastern Finland.

Organisiation and Logistics: Martin Barthel, Comparative Research Network

Contact: mabarthel(at)comparative-research.net

Target group: PhD Students and advanced Master Students

Language of instruction: English

Background:

The year 1989 brought historic changes to Europe. States disappeared, new borders were created, old borders re-emerged while yet others vanished altogether. This year marked the start of processes which have lead to the Europe we know today, integrating from within but also separating itself from “others” on the outside. Processes of de- and re-bordering have thus taken place simultaneously. If Europe can be considered as a common house, it might also be described today as a common fortress. This Seminar will try to examine processes and phenomena that illustrate those changes.

Berlin was symbolic of division 25 years ago. Today, the city is symbolic of change and new opportunities. It is the spot where the consequences of changes during the past quarter-century still can be tracked today. The seminar will be therefore take Berlin as a stage. The first day will be dedicated to the presentation of papers and posters of participants. The scientific discussion and development of the research ideas will be the main theme. The second day will involve fieldwork within the city of Berlin, where the participants will have the chance to gain personal experience through group interviews and specific thematic tasks. The third day will include an excursion where the participants as whole group will learn about certain aspects of reshaping the borders in Berlin during the last 25 years.

Fee: The participation fee is 80 €, including course programme, excursion and coffee breaks/lunch on 8th and 10th of November. Participants who register until the 1st of July 2014 will be able to pay the early bird fee of 50 €.

Grants: There are no grants for travel and accommodation costs available. We will support participants with documents to apply for funding at their institutions.

Registration: Registration is open until 30th of August 2014. Early Bird Registration is open until 1st of July 2014

Paper: In order to participate, applicants should submit an abstract of a paper or poster presentation (No longer than 250 words).

Deadline for paper transmission: 15th of September 2014.

Program (Draft):

8th of November 2014:
Until 13:00 Registration
14:00 Keynote by Prof. James W. Scott
15:00 – 18:00 Paper presentations
9th of November 2014:
9:30 – 11:00 Workshops: Preparing the fieldwork
11:00 – 15:00 Excursion: Fading Border Line? The Berlin Wall 25 years after.
15:00 – 17:00 Visit to the Wall Memorial Bernauer Straße
17:00 Participating in the events of the celebration of 25 years fall of the Berlin Wall

10th of November 2014:
9:30 – 10:30 Keynote NN
10:30 – 15:00 Fieldwork in Berlin – What remains of the Berlin Wall?
15:00 – 17:00 Presentation of fieldwork
17:00 – 18:00 Final discussion