Call for contributions
‘Contemporary history in the digital age’
(Luxembourg / 15/16 October 2009)

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 MAY 2009

The University of Luxembourg (Master’s in Contemporary European History) and the Virtual Resource Centre for Knowledge about Europe (CVCE) are organising a Symposium to be held in October 2009, whose theme will be ‘Contemporary history in the digital age’.

The use of the computer and Internet in the methods, techniques and work of historians is coming under ever-wider examination. However, contemporary history as a subject has remained relatively detached from the use of digital applications for academic purposes — excepting word processing and electronic mail — and from those methodological studies linked to it.

Nonetheless, information and communication technologies can offer a number of possibilities to contemporary history studies in terms of publication, the collection of primary and secondary sources, networking, data visualisation, etc., not to forget that the Web is itself becoming an archive. The application of digital technology to the study of contemporary history is therefore destined to increase, and our discipline certain to change drastically with it.

This symposium will focus on a simple question, but one offering complex answers: ‘Will the Web provide us with a better understanding of history?’

The symposium will bring together contributions and workshop activities in three areas:
1. Contemporary history on the Web today: resources and tools;
2. Contemporary history on the Web today: methods and writing;
3. Contemporary history on the Web tomorrow: which digital environment for researchers in contemporary history?

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATIONS

Candidates shall present a 500-word proposal for a contribution and a 200-word presentation on the main lines of their research. Texts may be submitted in French, English, Italian or German and should be sent to: symposium@cvce.lu before 30 May 2009 at the latest. Authors of contributions that have been accepted will be contacted by 30 June 2009 at the latest. Incomplete files shall not be considered.

Proposals shall be examined by a committee of experts composed of
- Marianne Backes (Virtual Resource Centre for Knowledge about Europe),
- René Leboutte (University of Luxembourg),
- Serge Noiret (European University Institute, Florence),
- Wolfgand Schmale (University of Vienna),
- Seamus Ross (University of Toronto / University of Glasgow),
- Yannick Maignien (TGE-Adonis).

Working languages shall be English and French. Proposals from disciplines other than that of contemporary history cannot be accepted. Contributions that have been accepted shall be published.

Travel, accommodation and meal expenses will be covered by the organising bodies.

Follow us on http://symposium.cvce.lu/