[Discussion] CFP: 3rd Graduate Conference: IDEA EXCHANGE: Mediums and Methods of Communication in Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia

[gonul@pultar.org]

From: "Serguei Alex. Oushakine" <sao15@columbia.edu>

Call for Papers

Third Annual Graduate Student Conference:

IDEA EXCHANGE:  Mediums and Methods of Communication in Eastern Europe,
Russia and Central Asia

Graduate Organization for the Study of Europe and Central Asia
Center for Russian and East European Studies

University of Pittsburgh, February 24-26, 2006

In the histories of Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, countless social
and political upheavals have been articulated through, if not facilitated by, a
variety of communication mediums and methods. The uses of various modes of
communication played a critical role in the collapse of state socialism and in
the later reconstruction of new political and social regimes. In the sixteen
years since, the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of knowledge through
practices of communication continue to be of vital importance to political
engagement, cultural expression, arts, sciences, and the creation of novel
social orders.

This conference will explore questions related to the historical and
contemporary impact of different mediums and methods of communication in
Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia.  We find it useful to adopt an
inclusive understanding of mediums and methods that refers equally to venues for
idea exchange, channels for the transmission of information, means through which
communication is generated and even arenas for public debates and the
constitution of civic initiatives.

We invite abstracts that address questions and arguments such as: What is the
relationship between various mediums of communication and the reorganization of
power, politics and the state in former socialist societies? How are they
impacted by state regulations, economic factors, or the international promotion
of intellectual property rights? Have mediums of communication been used to
stimulate democratic participation and debate of ideas? Do they rather
facilitate the exercise of novel forms of governance and tactics of power? What
factors limit communication, and what elements of communication and media create
new opportunities in the region?  Who controls information, and who can
authoritatively spread ideas?

The University of Pittsburgh's Graduate Organization for the Study of Europe and
Central Asia, in cooperation with the Center for Russian and East European
Studies, invites fellow graduate students working on related topics from all
disciplines to submit abstracts for our Third Annual Graduate Student
Conference. We encourage a broad range of approaches, from social science and
humanities to law and public policy, as well as a diverse set of topics to be
explored in accordance with the main goal of this conference: to stimulate
interdisciplinary debates and the exchange of ideas.


Deadline for submission of abstracts:
DECEMBER 15, 2005

Abstract Requirements
Paper abstracts of up to 500 words (using Microsoft Word or PDF format, 12 point
font, double spaced) and curriculum vitae must be submitted via email to
gosecaconference@yahoo.com by December 15, 2005. The body of the abstract should
contain no identifying information other than its title. The cover page must
include: title of submission, author's or authors' name(s), institutional and
departmental affiliation(s), e-mail address(es), geographic address(es), and a
primary phone number. Although we require all of this information,
correspondence will occur mainly via e-mail.

We will contact the author(s) of accepted abstracts by January 1, 2004.

Paper Requirements
In order to facilitate presentation time limits, and to ensure time for active
discussions, paper length will be limited to 8 typed pages, double-spaced, with
12 point font.  All participants will be required to submit a copy of the final
paper one month prior to the conference.

Housing
The conference organization will be able to offer free housing, but not
transportation, to all selected participants.