REGIONS AND BORDERS OF NORTHERN EUROPE

The purpose of this conference is to explore the changing nature of borders with particular reference to their importance in the definition of regions and sub-regions. The chronological scope of the conference will be from the Roman period to the present day and the geographical scope northern Europe broadly interpreted, so that real comparisons and contrasts can be identified and investigated.

Proposals for papers on this subject are welcome, and it is envisaged that the conference might particularly explore the following sub-themes:
· borders as linear frontiers or as spatial zones
· borders as defining frontiers for micro- and macro-regions
· mapping and defining borders
· borders as contested space
· borders as frontier regions
· cultural borders
· borders and trading areas

In addition to papers, the conference will offer:
· the opportunity of a specialist tour of the cathedral and historic peninsula site at Durham see http://www.dur.ac.uk/~dla0www/c_tour/tour.html), and
· a day excursion to visit the Roman frontier of Hadrian's Wall and the city of Newcastle (see http://www.hadrians-wall.org)

Anyone interested in giving a paper is asked to submit (preferably by e-mail) a 500-word summary indicating the subject of the paper and its relevance to the conference to:
Miss M.A.McAllister Research & Outreach Officer,
e-mail: m.a.mcallister@durham.ac.uk
Postal address: Room 001
43 North Bailey
University of Durham, DH1 3EX

Please give your full name, status, address and, if possible, e-mail address.
Papers must be restricted to 25 minutes duration to allow substantial time for discussion.

The possibility of publication of the papers will be explored, but potential participants should not feel inhibited from presenting papers intended primarily to stimulate discussion.