The Institute of National Remembrance – Wrocław Branch Office would like to invite you to participate in the international conference „The Student Milieu in the Soviet Bloc Countries 1945-1989”, which will be held in Wrocław (Poland), on 29 November - 1 December 2016
After the Second World War Communists took over the East Central Europe and the Soviet Union created its area of influence. The totalitarian authorities aspired to take power and dominate every aspect of people's life. They also attempted to create a students' movement, based on the Soviet Union's model. After the post-Stalin thaw, Communists in some countries were looking for their own way to socialism. It was a relevant factor that shaped the students' milieu.
In the second half of the 20th century student circles changed significantly and the increasing number of students was one of important aspects of this situation. On the one hand it was a result of post war baby boom, on the other – of social policy of the authorities, who intended to create a new and loyal middle class. Students, however, did not always fulfill those expectations. On the contrary, they were often the factor which gave a signal to start mass protests. Did they support the Communist regime or rather they dragged it down into the gutter? The question remains open.
The main aim of the conference is to exchange and discuss research problems connected with the history of students' movements in different Central European countries. Comparing the results of our research will provide an opportunity to establish some common tendencies for the whole Soviet bloc. Simultaneously, we will notice differences and specific features of each single country.
The debate will focus on the following issues, among other things:
* Social changes after the Second World War and their influence on the students' milieu
* State policy towards students
* Official student organizations
* International student contacts
* Student culture
* Everyday life of students and its conditions
* Opposition and resistance
* Relationship between students and academic authorities and staff
* Student tourism and scientific movement
* Non-academic activity of students
* Sociological aspects of student life
* Social life and free time
The conference will be held in Polish and English (with simultaneous interpretation). The organizers are going to publish the papers presented during the conference in Polish and English.
All those interested are encouraged to participate – both as speakers and as auditors. In the case of speakers, accommodation, meals, and travel expenses will be covered by the conference organizers.
The deadline for conference paper proposals (to be submitted on the attached form) is April 15, 2016. Please enclose, along with the form, an abstract of your paper (up to 500 words in Polish or English), and a short CV of the author. The conference programme will be made available by May 15, 2016.
The proposals and questions should be sent to: kamil.dworaczek@ipn.gov.pl or krzysztof.lagojda@uwr.edu.pl