Topic

Yugoslav socialism collapsed in the early 1990s during the Yugoslav Wars. In Croatia, a government followed that endeavoured to eliminate any continuity with the previous regime. In this interdisciplinary event, we will use approaches from cultural anthropology, cultural history and media studies to examine which materialities of past regimes have survived capitalism and are still relevant. In doing so, we ask questions about the reasons and circumstances of destruction and active maintenance that go beyond explicit ideological positioning.

The event will cover three areas:
•    Monuments and the culture of remembrance
•    Residential architecture and public infrastructure
•    The aftermath of empire and socialism

Conference committee

Dr. Taylor McConnell, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, mcconnell[at]uni-mainz.de
Dr. Lea Horvat, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, lea.horvat[at]uni-jena.de
Petra Požgaj, M.A., Sveučilište u Zagrebu, ppozgaj[at]m.ffzg.hr

Notes on the event

The course is mostly held in English, especially during group excursions in Zagreb and Vukovar with guest lecturers from the surrounding area. Relevant texts will be circulated in advance.

The costs for the bus journey to and from Vukovar will be covered by the Southeast Europe Association; participants must pay for other costs (including flights, accommodation and food) themselves.

Arrival is recommended for Sunday, 4 May. Departure on Saturday, 10 May, or on Sunday, 11 May, if desired, to take part in optional excursions to Spomen-područje Dotrščina and Maksimir Park.

Registration

To register, please send an e-mail to the conference committee’s members by 15 April 2025.