Attending the Decolonization across Time, Place, and Field Conference

Attending the Decolonization across Time, Place, and Field Conference

Grant:
Lecturers' Professional Development Fund (LPDF)
Academic Year:
2023 - 2024 (June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024)
Funding Requested:
$1,389.00
Project Dates:
-
Applicant(s):
uehling
Overview of the Project:
I am writing to request support from the Lecturers' Professional Development Fund to attend the 2023 Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) conference. My participation in this conference is important for my scholarly development and will greatly enhance my teaching capabilities. The conference's theme is "Decolonization Across Time, Place, Field, and Institutional Setting," and is of utmost significance for advancing both my teaching competencies and scholarly objectives.
Final Report Fields
Project Objectives:

I applied for support from the Lecturers' Professional Development Fund to attend the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The conference's theme "Decolonization" was of interests to me for advancing both my anthropological research and my teaching for the Program in International and Comparative Studies.

 

Project Achievements:

I. Learning New Pedagogical Strategies:

Attending the panel on "Teaching in a Time of War" was a pivotal experience, providing valuable insights into navigating the challenges posed by conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine within the educational context. The discussions delved into recognizing trauma responses among students, emphasizing the significance of using neutral yet accurate language to accommodate differing opinions, cautioning against the use of euphemisms, and addressing the fatigue factor when adjusting content. This knowledge is directly applicable to my teaching practices and equips me to create a supportive learning environment during times of global unrest.

II. Networking Opportunities:

The conference offered numerous networking opportunities that enriched my professional connections. Engaging in round table discussions facilitated active audience participation and unveiled potential avenues for scholarly collaboration in the future. Additionally, the receptions proved invaluable, providing a platform to meet renowned scholars whose work I have admired and reconnect with colleagues from past collaborations. Attending five receptions allowed me to establish meaningful connections and explore possibilities for future collaborations.

III. Contributing to Scholarship:

I presented at a session on doctoral fieldwork in Ukraine that provided an opportunity to engage with other scholars theoretical and methodological issues associated with working as a social scientist during a time of war.

Another important session was the "Vice-Presidential Round Table on Decolonization and Liberation." Delving into the meanings of these terms in the context of war was important. We also discussed strategies for responding to media requests t

IV. Developing Course Content:

Two panels significantly influenced the development of my course content. "War-induced Migration and its Impacts" provided relevant insights for my courses focusing on war and migration. The panel on "Trends in Comparative Genocide Studies" was particularly beneficial for my teaching in a program with a "comparative" emphasis, as it aided in refining strategies for guiding students through comparative case studies. These sessions enhanced my ability to create relevant course content, aligning with the dynamic nature of contemporary global issues.

 

Continuation:
This project is complete.
Dissemination:
I will be incorporating content and strategies that I learned at this conference in my classes next semester.
Advice to your Colleagues:
I recommend preparing before you leave for the conference: download the conference app, search the program according to both topics that are important to you and scholars with whom you wish to connect. If there are two events happening at the same time, consider reaching out to the scholar(s) at the event you will miss to express your interest. Having your business cards at hand will make maintaining the connections you make at the conference easier. It may seem obvious, but many people did not have cards available and were struggling to exchange contact details smoothly. Most of all, accept that one can’t possibly absorb all of the information at larger conferences like this one: prioritize and stay rested to make the most of your opportunity.
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