Alternative Culture Beyond Borders: Past and Present of the Arts and Media in the Context of Globalization is a three-year (2007-2010) international research and teaching project which explores the continued relevance and significance of the concept of ‘alternative’ culture in the era of globalization-a moment in which many of the frameworks that have been used to study culture have been placed into question and new theories are being developed. This exploration of contemporary alternative culture begins from a comparative, cross-cultural analysis of the phenomenon and idea of ‘alternativeness’ from the nineteenth century to the present, with an especial emphasis on the recent history of Central and Eastern European societies after World War II and their similarities and difference to Western ‘Cold War’ culture.

This project connects resource faculty from around the world with participants from Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Mongolia. Participants consist of junior faculty with teaching positions who are dedicated to the advancement of undergraduate teaching in these regions.

ELIGIBILITY
The project is open to young faculty in institutions of higher education who intend to pursue comparative, interdisciplinary research on alternative culture(s), globalization, identities and the arts and media, with a geographical emphasis on post-communist transition countries.

Fellowships are available for participants from Central and South-Eastern Europe, the Baltic States, NIS, Mongolia, and Turkey. Participant fellowships cover transportation, accommodation and meal costs. Western scholars are invited for participation but need to cover their costs by themselves.

Eligible disciplines include Anthropology, Archival and Museum Studies, Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, History, History of Art, Media Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

Participants should:
1) be ready to take part in the entire three-year program;
2) be committed to the development of new teaching practices and research into new theoretical frameworks; and
3) deliver or plan to deliver courses pertaining to the general themes of the program.
Participants must be able to demonstrate the English language skills necessary to take part in the program.

APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for the Alternative Culture Seminar, the applicant should create an account at www.alternativeculture.org through which the following information must be submitted:

application form (on-line);
curriculum vitae with list of publications;
500-word statement of purpose;
sample syllabus for course relevant to the topic, or sample article or research paper relevant to the topic (10 pages max.)
one letter of recommendation send directly to application@alternativeculture.org (please indicate the name and the country of origin of the applicant in the Subject line)

DEADLINES
Application deadline 15 May 2007
Interviews (where appropriate) to be conducted between 1-15 June 2007
Notification letters to be sent by 15 June 2007