What is the significance of the term modern when it seems to have so many meanings? Can modern still be modern after more than four centuries of use? How does modern bridge the present with the future, or the present with the past?How do societies image modern in the things they design, build, market, and consume? Is modern rational or whimsical? Pragmatic or dogmatic? Traditional or avant-garde?

The inaugural Graduate Symposium at The Bard Graduate Center will address the various meanings of the concept of modern from its inception to the present day. In the spirit of interdisciplinary scholarship, the symposium committee welcomes abstracts from graduate students in any discipline and hopes to generate an atmosphere of critical discussion and open dialogue.

Graduate students are asked to submit papers focusing on specific topics related to the concept of modern within a historical or contemporary context. Some funds may be available for travel. To apply, please submit a 1-2 page abstract along with a CV or brief professional bio to: gradsymp@bgc.bard.edu.

Abstracts will be accepted no later than 1 February 2002. All notifications will be sent by 15 February 2002. A Graduate Student Symposium hosted by The Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture