Power, State, and Society:
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Discourses, Social Groups
And Agency in Central and Eastern Europe
Budapest, Hungary, 12-14 May 2006

INTRODUCTION: CONCEPT
In 2006, Central European University celebrates its 15th anniversary since it was established as an international institution of higher education aimed to promote the values of democracy and open society in the countries of CEE/fSU, being in the same time dedicated to the tradition of socially and morally responsible intellectual criticism. In this period, CEU proved to be a crossroad of cultures, an interface between the region and the rest of the world, and also an important agency of social change in the countries of CEE/fSU.

The First CEU Graduate Conference seeks to address the international body of CEU as well as young scholars and competitive students from or interested on the region, aiming to establish an annual tradition of scholarly exchange. The First CEU Graduate Conference is dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach to cultural and political discourses, social groups and institutional and individual agencies in relation to the concepts of ¡¥power,¡¦ ¡¥state,¡¦ and ¡¥society.¡¦ The theme of the conference is broadly designed in order to address the various fields of study from the humanities, as well as social sciences.

THE GENERAL FRAMEWORK:
The aims of the conference are: to provide an interdisciplinary academic debate about the assumptions and the limits of the academic disciplines, to facilitate the exchange of methodologies and conceptual frameworks, the approach of different objects of study using similar frameworks and/or similar topics from various angles and, not the least, to contribute to the development of knowledge networks among peers in the various fields.

The applicants are encouraged to address the concepts of ¡¥power,¡¦ ¡¥state,¡¦ and ¡¥society¡¦ through concentrating on the interplay of the political and cultural discourses, the social groups and the individuals, economic and bureaucratic agencies. In this respect, the participants are encouraged to conceive their approach so they may address the general frame and consequently stimulate the interdisciplinary discussions. Both case studies and comparative approaches are welcomed.

Possible panels may be organized with the following themes (please, note that the list is open):
„h Comparative approaches of the past and/or society: diffusion and reception of ideas e.g. the discourse of nationalism;
„h Technologies of ruling: frameworks of thinking, forms of guvernamentality, institutions for policing and/or isolation;
„h State, church and society;
„h Memory and history: the role of representations and interpretations;
„h Entangled histories: identities, sites of memory, social change;
„h Society and economy: diffusion and reception of goods e.g. merchant histories;
„h Gender and citizenship;

CALL FOR PAPERS AND PANELS:
Graduate students and young faculty members, both CEU and non-CEU, are encouraged to propose papers and panels. Each panel will include approximately 4 (four) presentations. Another young scholar will participate as a discussant. Each panel will host a senior scholar or expert in the relevant field of study that will moderate the discussions. Ample time will be left for discussion. The working language will be English.

A panel proposal should contain a short rationale, and, if available, abstracts of possible contributions. In case of need, organizers will help circulate the panel proposals and recruit further participants.

The selection of the papers will be realized by the Advisory Committee, composed by CEU Faculty members, who will be involved throughout the process of organizing the conference.

DEADLINES:
The registration period will start on March 1th. Applications will be considered as they are received. The final deadline is April 1st. Early applicants will have better chances of being selected. Applicants that would need a visa to enter Hungary are encouraged to apply earlier.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
There is no registration fee for qualified participants. Accommodation and food are also provided by the organizers. Non-CEU applicants able to cover their travel expenses are strongly encouraged to participate. Also, one may apply for a travel grant for the cheapest means of travel (up to 100 USD). Successful travel grants applications offer also accommodation in CEU Dormitory. Priority will be given on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Those intending to apply for a travel grant should write a short letter of justification. (up to 500 words).

The application form as well as any additional information will be soon available on the website of the conference: www.humanitiesgradconf.ceu.hu

The application must consist of: a) the completed application form, including the abstract of the paper (cca. 400 words); b) a short CV; and c) a short letter of justification ONLY for the applicants for travel grant (up to 500 words). All the applications will be sent to humanitiesgradconf@ceu.hu