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Conceptions of nature and the relation between human beings and nature are part of Russian cultural self-understanding and national identity, and they also have ramifications for environmental politics and protection. In order to understand such cultural undercurrents it is necessary to probe into the historical and cultural meanings and values given to nature. The conference, conheld on November 7-8, 2003 at the University of Helsinki, discusses themes ranging from historical and present conceptualisations of nature in Russian culture and literature, to more directly policy-relevant themes such as local people’s responses to utilisation of natural resources in the Russian North-West and Far East, and more theoretical themes such as an ecosemiotic approach to culture.
The speakers are Professor Jane Costlow (Bates College), Professor Yrjö Haila (University of Tampere), Dr. Kalevi Kull (University of Tartu), Professor Al’fiya I. Smirnova (University of Volgograd), Dr. Maria Tysiachniouk (Centre for Independent Social Research, St. Petersburg), the author of "Models of Russian Nature" Professor Douglas Weiner (University of Arizona), and Dr. Emma Wilson (University of Cambridge).
Preliminary programme on the Aleksanteri Institute’s site (listed below).
CALL FOR PAPERS
On both conference days, there will be workshops discussing papers related to the above-mentioned themes. Proposals for papers should be sent by 18 September per e-mail. Please include
- a title of the paper
- a max 200-word abstract
- name and contact information.
The conference is the third in a series of annual multidisciplinary, international seminars organised by the Aleksanteri Institute. The Institute is affiliated with the University of Helsinki and operates as a national centre of research, study and expertise pertaining to Russia and Eastern Europe, particularly in the social sciences and humanities. The institute co-ordinates and promotes co-operation and interaction between the academic world, public administration, business life, and civil society in Finland and abroad.
Registration for the conference by 29 October to Ms. Essi Lindroos, essi.lindroos@helsinki.fi tel.+358 (0)9-191 24175, fax +358-(0)9-191 23822. Admission to the seminar is free of charge. The organisers have no funds for supporting costs of travel or accommodation.
For further information, please contact Arja Rosenholm, tel. +358 (0)3 215 7660, arja.rosenholm@helsinki.fi or Anna Korhonen, Tel. +358 (0)9 191 22424, anna.korhonen@helsinki.fi.
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