How did epidemics and infectious diseases shape the 20th century? An international conference organised by the Institute of History on 23 and 24 March will examine ‘Epidemics in the Social and Cultural History of the 20th Century’.
Epidemics make history: Until the 19th century, plagues, smallpox and cholera epidemics kept people in Europe on tenterhooks, just as much as typhoid, tuberculosis or syphilis. But how has the history of epidemics developed since then? How did epidemics and infectious diseases shape the 20th century? And what challenges and opportunities arise for researchers exploring epidemics as phenomena of contemporary history?
An international conference organised by the Institute of History at the University on 23 and 24 March will examine these questions. Its title is ‘Infected Europe: Epidemics in the Social and Cultural History of the 20th Century’. Conference chair Dr Malte Thießen, Assistant Professor of 20th-Century German and European History, expects over 40 participants from six countries.
The aim of the conference is to outline a social and cultural history of epidemics in the 20th century and to explore the topic in greater depth through case studies and comparative analyses. In addition to two keynote lectures, the speakers – recognised experts and early-career researchers – will explore different thematic approaches to the conference topic across five panels. These will explore epidemics in terms of the history of emotions, the media and science, from comparative, relational or gender perspectives. The conference is funded by the PRO*Niedersachsen programme and the Gerda Henkel Foundation. Attendance is free of charge. Please register by 4 March via email: anke.berding@uol.de
When: Friday , 23 March, 8.00 pm – 9.30 pm
Where: Library Hall