The unique opportunity to engage in discussions with scholars and political experts on site will provide you with a profound insight into Armenia’s unique cultural identity and its contemporary challenges. Furthermore, it will allow you to see the broader picture of post-soviet conflicts and geopolitical developments between Europe, Eastern Europe and the Near East.
In addition to these intellectual explorations, you will also have the opportunity to visit picturesque monasteries and touristic sites. We will meet with Armenian scholars, politicians, and intellectuals. Not to forget the culinary delights: you’ll savor the flavors of delicious Armenian cuisine, a true reflection of the nation’s diverse influences.
Dates & Locations:
- Preparatory event: Saturday, 18 May 2024 10:15-16:30 at Fribourg University (mandatory)
- Seminar: Tuesday, 25 June 2024 – Friday, 5 July 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia
Working language: English
Lead:
Prof. tit. Dr. Ansgar Jödicke (Social Sciences/Study of Religion, University of Fribourg) |
Prof. Dr. Alexander Agadjanian (Center for Civilization and Cultural Studies, Yerevan State University)
Coordination: Dr. des. Serina Heinen
Administration: Michelle Hug
Participants (max): 16
Reader: A reader with essential texts and a bibliography will be provided. Own initiative is requested.
Costs: CHF 300 (incl. flights, accommodation, excursions and most meals).
Target audience: All students of the Swiss Study Foundation who seek a deeper comprehension of the interplay between society, culture, and geopolitics within the small post-Soviet nation of Armenia, set within the broader context of post-Soviet socio-political evolution, are encouraged to participate.
Additional remarks:
- The seminar is intended to be an intellectual exploration and not a touristic tour. The main part of the seminar will therefore consist of discussions with experts from several Universities in Armenia. However, visits to some extraordinary touristic sites, a guided tour through Yerevan, and meetings with local students will round off the insights into Armenian society, politics, and culture. You are free to stay longer (or come earlier) at your own cost.
- The accommodation will be simple but clean. The guest house is located on the campus of Yerevan State University. Students will stay in rooms with 2 or 3 beds.
- Eating a vegan diet will be quite difficult, vegetarian meals can be arranged as Armenian food includes a variety of vegetable-based dishes.
What do we expect from you in terms of work?
- Attendance at the preparatory 1-day event in Switzerland is obligatory. Reading material will be provided for this preparatory meeting.
- Active participation in discussions during the preparatory meeting and the seminar abroad are expected.
- In addition, participants shall either give a presentation at the end of the seminar (15 min, group of two persons), write an essay (2 pages, individual paper, published on the foundation’s website), produce a short film (15 min, group of three persons) or manage the Instragram channel during the seminar abroad (Stories & Reels).
