Old and new attitudes towards race, nationality, sexuality and gender in the evolving cultural and political landscape of 21st century Europe are the focus of programs Dec. 5-6, as part of the series “New Europe/Old Problems” sponsored by the Copernicus Endowment, Center for Russian and East European Studies and others.
Polish author Agnieszka Graff will deliver the lecture, “When the Virgin is Your Queen: Reflections on Gender and Nationalism in Poland,” at 3 p.m. Dec. 5 in 2239 Lane Hall, 200 State St. Graff will examine the role played by the cult of the Virgin Mary as Queen of Poland, a key symbol of national identity in ongoing Polish debates about women’s rights, especially reproductive rights.
Graff also will participate in a symposium, “New Lines of Tolerance and Intolerance in Europe,” at 4 p.m. Dec. 6, in Room 1636, International Institute, 1080 S. University. Intolerance is a problem that transcends time and place, but in every context it takes on specific forms. Panelists will include Joshua Cole, associate professor of history; Michelle Kelso, doctoral candidate in sociology; and Hadley Renkin, visiting assistant professor of anthropology and sociology at Albion College. Brian Porter-Szucs, associate professor of history at U-M, will moderate.
Other sponsors are the Center for European Studies-European Union Center, LSA, Department of History, Eisenberg Institute of History, Institute for Research on Women and Gender, and the International Institute. Both events are free and open to the public.
