Border Infrastructures. Changes and socio-cultural impact (past and present)
When: 10 – 15 July 2023
Where: University of Gdansk (Poland)
For whom: Undergraduate, Masters and PhD students from Cambridge within the arts, humanities and social sciences (POLIS, History, Modern and Medieval Languages, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, English, Economics, Law, Criminology, History of Art, Architecture, Philosophy, Education)
By whom: the University of Gdansk; the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Baltic Sea Region Research (IFZO), University of Greifswald; and the Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge
The host University in Gdansk is offering a rich week-long programme of lectures, meetings and visits in the Gdansk/Gdynia region, with a focus on the historical evolution of this corner of the Baltic region and, specifically, discussion of borders in both geographic and metaphoric aspects. The processes of border creation, crossings, and changes will be discussed in the context of public memory and present narratives related to recent re-bordering, securitization and emergence of new border infrastructures. The nature of ‘Balticness’ will be addressed against the backdrop of sociocultural impact of border changes and resulting interactions, peculiar diversity, but also coerced population transfers and migrations. Cambridge participants should have reached a threshold level of ‘regional literacy’ connected to Poland and the Baltic Sea region.
About:
The principal purpose of this summer school is to widen the pool of Cambridge students and academics with knowledge and experience of Baltic geopolitical issues. The programme aims to awaken interest in the subject and increase the possibility of students at all levels deciding to focus on Baltic geopolitical subjects as they move forward in their academic career. The event will add experience to academic study by providing the opportunity both to look at questions of intellectual interest in a slightly deeper and more informal context and to develop interests which might otherwise have not been explored. In addition, this summer school will, potentially, build strong networks with people in the region.
Registration and application:
- No tuition fees.
- £300 contribution towards costs in Poland, including accommodation, food and entertainment. The remainder of the costs for these items will be covered by the University of Gdansk.
- Travel costs will be met by the participants individually. Please inquire at your faculty / department and college about available travel funds for summer school attendance or specialist training. If you need but cannot secure financial assistance, please contact Elvira Tamus at evt27@cam.ac.uk.
- In addition, participants will be responsible for any visa arrangements. Please inquire about visa requirements for non-EU citizens.
- Submit the following documents to Elvira Tamus at evt27@cam.ac.uk:
- Proof of university admission / course enrolment (you can request such a document from your faculty / department or college administrator with a recent date, or via CamSIS: go to ‘Academic’ >> ‘Request a verification letter’ >> ‘Sign in to Digitary’)
- Statement of intent including a short description of your interests and your motivation for participating in the summer school (400-500 words double spaced, *doc format)
Deadline for applications: Extended to Friday 12 May 2023
Number of places: 20 (from the University of Cambridge)
Accommodation: in Gdansk, Poland (more information will be provided soon)
Detailed programme and syllabus: will be provided soon
Contacts:
Elvira Tamus (Research Assistant, Centre for Geopolitics): evt27@cam.ac.uk
Michelle Houghton (Events & Communications Coordinator, Centre for Geopolitics): mh887@cam.ac.uk
