The Eurasia Program of the Social Science Research Council invites applications for the third and last dissertation workshop focusing specifically on the regions of Central Asia and the Caucasus to be held in March/April 2003. Graduate students in any social science discipline who are currently at any stage of the dissertation process (dissertation proposal, write-up, etc.) and whose dissertation relates in any way to Central Asia and/or the Caucasus are eligible to apply. Applications from other fields are welcome as long as they are grounded in social science theory and methodology.

10 graduate students and 5 faculty participants will be chosen to attend the 2003 workshop in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Participants will convene for two days of intensive and critical discussion of both the students’ dissertation projects, as well as larger theoretical and methodological issues. The SSRC will cover all transportation, accommodation, and related expenses for participants.

Region and topic specific or comparative projects addressing Central Asia and the Caucasus or any countries or themes within or across these two geographical regions are strongly encouraged (particularly ones which examine these areas in relation to the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, China, and/or other countries). The overall objectives of the workshop are to explore the state of Central Asian and Caucasian studies, encourage new approaches through multidisciplinary and comparative perspectives, and reflect on how new research on these areas is advancing understandings of the “field” (in terms of discipline and/or area studies). Participants may also be called upon to analyze the usefulness of regional designations such as Central Asia and the Caucasus both for their own research and the general understanding of the areas in question.

Applicants should submit the following material by 18 December 2002 in order to be eligible.

• A five page, double spaced summary of the dissertation project highlighting its relationship to the objectives of the workshop
• One letter of academic recommendation from the applicant’s primary advisor
• Curriculum Vitae.

If selected, participants will be required to submit a 15-25 page dissertation chapter or writing sample and an experimental syllabus. Selected participants will receive detailed information as to the requirements for both the writing sample and syllabus, which will be due by February 20th, 2003. The 5 page application statements, writing samples, and syllabi will be circulated among all conference participants.

To be eligible, applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents, currently enrolled in an accredited Ph.D. program, and working at some stage on their dissertation projects. The deadline for the receipt of applications is December 18th, 2002. Decisions regarding final participants will be announced by January 20th, 2003.
Please address all inquiries and correspondence, including applications to the address below.

Funding is provided by the United States Department of State, Program for Research and Training for Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (Title VIII).