Call for Papers: international conference «Memory from Transdisciplinary Perspectives: Agency, Practices, and Mediations», January 2007, Tartu, Estonia

Memory from Transdisciplinary Perspectives: Agency, Practices, and Mediations

Tartu, Estonia
January 11–14, 2007
University of Tartu
Research Centre of Culture and Communication

Call for Papers

Since the 1990s we have witnessed expanding memory research in various disciplines where concepts like social and cultural memory, collective and communicative memory, embodied and material memory, narrative and performed memory etc. have become common. The semantic field of the concept has been solidly extended, triggering both disciplinary and interdisciplinary discussions on the topic. The complexity of memory discourse and contested perspectives in memory research compel us to pose the core question: what is this ‘memory’ we are talking about?

This conference aims to survey the present situation in memory studies, focusing on the critical re-examination of the theoretical and methodological premises. We intend to consider different inter and trans-disciplinary junctures as well as dissensions in approaches to memory as a complex socio-cultural phenomenon. We welcome participants from various disciplines in the humanities and social sciences: cultural studies, media studies, social anthropology, ethnology, folkloristics, literary studies, theatre studies, philosophy, history, archaeology, human geography, etc.

The conference will take place in Tartu, Estonia, a country that has witnessed social and cultural transitions not only recently but several times in history. This experience of controversial memory cultures makes it an appropriate place for memory discussions.

Main topics of the conference:

Confirmed keynote speakers:

Susannah Radstone (University of East London, UK)
James V. Wertsch (Washington University, USA)
Paul Bouissac (University of Toronto, Canada)
Seppo Knuuttila (University of Joensuu, Finland)
David Berliner (Central European University, Hungary)
Tiina Kirss (University of Tartu, Estonia)

Deadline for abstracts (up to 300 words): October 1, 2006.

The abstract should include 1) full name and address, 2) e-mail and 3) description of the position and affiliation. Please respond to e-mail: memory2007@jrnl.ut.ee

Notification of acceptance: October 10, 2006.

A planned publication is open to all successful presenters

Registration deadline: November 10, 2006.

Conference fee:

Conference homepage www.ut.ee/memory2007

For information about accommodation, please turn to Evelin Järvik evelin.jarvik@baltictours.ee, www.baltictours.ee

Organising Committee:

Research Centre of Culture and Communication
Kristin Kuutma, Head of the Organising Committee
Ene Kõresaar, Marina Grishakova, Kirsti Jõesalu, Merili Metsvahi
Conference secretaries: Ester Võsu & Külliki Korts
Conference e-mail: memory2007@jrnl.ut.ee