Social Evolution or Social Ruin? Universities and Elite Formation in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe

Period: May 2012 - May 2013
Deadline for submitting abstracts: May 30, 2012

This project seeks to assemble contributions in the form of chapters that will create a larger text on the topic of education and elite formation in the wider East European region. Since 1989 the countries in transition have taken innovative paths in catching up the educational developments of the European Union. Here numerous challenges have emerged, from the question in which fields highly qualified graduates are most needed, to whether graduates stay in their country after their studies or migrate abroad.

These challenges are not new, but have been relevant since the emergence of modern academia in the 19th century. It is thus only appropriate to take a look back and to explore these questions in a historical perspective, considering the period from the late 19th century until today.

There are two types of papers
1: Longer chapters with a broad perspective on the above questions, in particular from a comparative perspective (20-25 pages);
2: Shorter chapters on particular case studies based on the above mentioned questions (ca. 10 pages).

All those interested contributing to the project are invited to submit their proposal in German or English by 31st May. The submission must include the following:
* Academic details of the author
* Email and contact information
* Title of the proposed paper and abstract (at least 300 words).

All submissions should be sent to: harald.heppner@uni-graz.at and florian.bieber@uni-graz.at.