version 1.1.

[Joonas]

Hi again,
I edited the text little bit by uniting similar parts. I also erased
some repetition.
In my opinnion the call for papers should not be much longer than
this. HOwever, we should still add more practical information about
the conference. In addition, the language should be corrected as well.

CALL FOR PAPERS:
5th Annual Graduate Conference in European History
organised by European University Institute (EUI) and Central European
University (CEU).
28th – 30th April, 2011 at European University Institute, Villa
Schifanoia, Florence.

Transfer and Demarcations

(1. Introduction: the theme and the aims of the conference)

The last 20 years have seen an outpouring of literature challenging
the nation-state as the obvious unit of historical analysis. A wide
variety of approaches, perspectives and concepts are offered in its
place, among them the concept of transfer. Along with transnational
and comparative studies, transfer studies posit a challenge to the
methodological nationalism that dominated the study of history for so
long. It offers an alternative to a history revolving around the
nation-state, challenging the inherent essentialism nation-state -
oriented academia has been plagued with. Instead, transfer studies
stress connections, interactions and circulation across borders, often
looking at the actors involved in such processes. History is perceived
as a number of shared experiences changing, adapting and transforming,
over time and space.

(2. Theoretical discussion)
Despite the fact that transfer studies have offered fresh viewpoints
on often so nation-centered history, there are problems in the studies
of transfer too. First, the approach has been criticized for focusing
on successful transfers, neglecting situations where transfer failed
as well as overlooking the resistance such movements encountered.
Secondly, transformation of the object itself during the transfer is
taken too rarely into account. Since transferred objects
tend to change during the diffusion, also the transformation of the
object should be taken into consideration. Thirdly, It has also been
claimed that the approach, despite its origin as a critique of the
self-evident use the nation as a unit of historical analysis, might
actually reinforce this unit by postulating that the points of
reference of the transfer, the beginning and the end, are fixed. Thus,
the transfer of cultural goods and ideas should be considered as a
complex process with numerous intersecting and varying factors. This,
however, creates a major methodological problem: how to demarcate
transfer.

Demarcation can be seen as a concept closely connected to the concept
of transfer. One cannot talk of transfer without having concepts of
demarcation, whether these are framed in spatial, social or cultural
terms. In other words: no transfer without demarcation. The concept of
demarcation raises the question of ‘why the transfer is perceived as a
transfer at all?’ Thus demarcation is a central concept when it comes
to investigating the obstacles of transfer whether spatial, social or
cultural. But demarcation is also a key concept when it comes to
understanding the perceived foreignness of a given transfer and the
different positions adopted, ranging from different attempts of
appropriation to actively resisting and rejecting the transfer.

(3. What kind of papers can be sent)

Is the concept of transfer useful and usable for historians? Has
transfer studies together with other historical trends such histoire
croisée, and transnational and global history, succeeded in
challenging long-lived historical master narratives? Is process,
experience and transformation a viable, and useable, alternative to
the traditional stories of modernization, nation-building and
Occidentalism? If the nation state is no longer the self-evident unit
of study and comparison, how the scales of transfer can be demarcated?

We want to know your experiences with the concept; As a perspective,
inspiration or dead-end. Have you used it, and if so, how and when? If
not, why? The approach is more common among historians interested in
culture, economy and technology than among social and political
historians. Does this imply that the approach is more useful to some
sub-categories of the discipline than others?
We welcome both more theoretical papers discussing methodological
issues connected with transfer and demarcations as well as empirical
ones.
The deadline for proposals for papers is …

(4. General nformation about the conference.)

The conference will take place at the Europan Univestiy Institute.

There will be no registration fee and lunches and coffee will be
provided. Funding for travel and accommodation may be available on an
individual basis based on request. Information regarding accommodation
in Budapest will be sent along with notification of acceptance. (Is
this still relevant???)

For further details please contact: