Public J. Steinhauer Lecture: Fake News and Media Literacy
Our era of fake news has also seen a rise in fake history – and through the Internet, social media and today’s numerous communication platforms, it is increasingly difficult to separate good history from bad, sound scholarship from shibboleth. Historians today are wrestling with this new media landscape. Historians are attempting to learn how to bring good history to audiences beyond the academy using new platforms, while also educating citizens on what makes for good history and what distinguishes it from narratives about the past that seek to advance a political or ideological agenda. This moment requires a renewed form of media literacy: one that empowers historians to understand the complexity of today’s media forms while simultaneously instilling a historical literacy in contemporary audiences that allows them to understand the complex ways in which the past can be wielded as either a positive or negative force in society.
Dr. Jason Steinhauer: Public history is my passion. Through more than fifteen years in the field leading the programs and projects of major cultural and historical institutions in the U.S., I’ve had the chance to see how history and scholarship–creatively and engagingly shared with the public–can make an impact. I serve as the first director of the Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest at Villanova University, a new center that will bring historical scholarship and historical perspective to bear on contemporary global issues. In the past, whether it was bringing researchers from around the world to the Library of Congress John W. Kluge Center and communicating their scholarship to policymakers and the public, or building a nationwide network of volunteers to collect, preserve, and make accessible the stories of America’s war veterans for the Veterans History Project, the programs we’ve developed have changed people’s lives for the better.
As a manager, leader, fundraiser, curator, archivist, oral historian, researcher, lecturer, registrar, film director and Board member, I’ve devoted my career to sharing history with the world and advocating for a more intelligent and informed citizenry based on the knowledge of our past. I’ve worked within institutions such as the Library of Congress, New-York Historical Society, and Museum of Jewish Heritage to develop nationally and internationally-recognized programs; developed the archives of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museo Judio de Sosua in the Dominican Republic; curated the award-winning exhibition Ours to Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War (among many exhibition credits), and served on the Boards of the Oral History in the Mid-Atlantic Region (OHMAR) and the Esperanza Education Fund. I’m a frequent lecturer, writer, podcast host and YouTube presenter on the topics of history, public history, and scholarship. I created the field of History Communication and invented the “lightning conversation.”
I love to think, write, and communicate about the future of public history in America, and I work every day to make a better, more inspired, and more educated world. I earned my B.A. in American Studies from The George Washington University and my M.A. in History and Archival Management from New York University. I’m originally from White Plains, New York.
The Lecture will take place 02 05 2017 13:15-14:45 p.m. Putvinskio str. 23 – 103
More information available at http://www.jasonsteinhauer.com/
S. Tavelishvili: the friendliest university in the world
Saba Tavelishvili, second year student of Master programme in International Relations and Diplomacy from Georgia, talks about his experience at Vytautas Magnus University.
Why did you choose your study course and in WMU? Was it just lucky choice or dream that you worked for?
Well, talking about the university it’s always hard to choose as there is lots of options. However, after I’ve received the letter of acceptance I was so happy that I didn’t wait for answers from other universities and started to prepare for new challenges and experiences in Lithuania
You are studying your last year, maybe you could explain what VMU and your academic program gave to you and your personality?
First of all, I should underline the role of my university that I became more interested in academic life, I mean working on papers, articles and trying to present my works on several international or local conferences. Talking about personality I would say that I developed the sense of self-awareness as my study program is highly qualified and the professionalism of academic staff is on a high level.
What did you mostly like about VMU? Could you give our universities pluses?
About the pluses of VMU I can talk continuously, starting from friendly students and the soul of university which is so cozy that it never will leave you. But I would like to separate the internationalism of the university, lots of foreigners are coming to this university which is developing so called networking and exploring lots of cultures which is the most important thing in your life and even in our carrier.
During your studies did you participate in various university clubs or activities? What these clubs gave to you? Could you recommend something to your younger colleagues?
Well, clubs and activities is the most important part of the studies. Theoretical part can be taught from books lectures and so on, however clubs, conferences and other activities are giving a chance practically implement your knowledge, develop it and adopt yourself for future carrier, as in such activities student can find the main direction of his/her carrier. My recommendation to young generation would be to take the part in such activities as much as possible, to develop their skills of leadership, find what they want and what they like, and be to be sure that they are doing this because they really want and not just because that we need a legal paper to proof our knowledge.
Have you participated in Erasmus+ programs? If yes, was it worth the time? What experience did you receive? What differences you could tell between Lithuania studies qualities and other countries?
Erasmus+ program is one of the interesting and funniest time during the studies. First of all, you are changing a place and moving to another country and exploring it, secondly you can compare the quality of studies between the home and host universities, and in this competition always home university is winning because we are “patriots” of our university. And lastly your area of people is increasing and you are becoming the part of Erasmus family which will last during of our life.
What are your plans for the future? Do you want to work according to your specialty?
I’ve chosen IR studies because I’m really interested in this field, and my aim is to synchronize my work and specialty in the future. All my plans are connected to stay in this field, and for sure I will do PHD after I will gather an experience from the work.
Could you give some advice to those who are going to study in VMU political science faculty?
Be motivated, study hard, work hard and be friendly because VMU is the friendliest university in the world.
What are you studying?
International Relations and Diplomacy.
Interview prepared by Lukas Fabijonavičius
Public Lectures of Visiting Prof. Natalia Artemenko
On 24-28th of April a visiting prof. Natalija Artemenko (St. Petersburg State University) will be give a public lectures in the Faculty of Political science and Diplomacy. Prof. N. Artemenko works the Institute of Philosophy and research field is in phenomenology, philosophical anthropology.
| 24 04 2017 |
Phenomenology and twentieth-century European philosophy. What is phenomenology? The origins of the term ‘phenomenology’. Franz Brentano: descriptive psychology and intentionality. Brentano and Husserl Edmund Husserl: founder of phenomenology. Husserl’s Logical Investigations (1900–1901). Husserl’s discovery of the reduction and transcendental phenomenology. |
101 V. Putvinskio str. 23 |
| 26 04 2017 |
Intersubjectivity and the experience of the other (Fremderfahrung). The Crisis of European Sciences: the investigation of the life-world. Martin Heidegger’s transformation of phenomenology. Heidegger’s Being and Time. Maurice Merleau-Ponty: the phenomenology of perception. The body as expression. |
601 K. Donelaičio str. 52 |
| 28 04 2017 |
Emmanuel Levinas: the phenomenology of alterity. Ethics as first philosophy. Phenomenology in psychiatry and psychoanalysis. Theory vs. practice. Critical sketches to Heidegger’s Zollikon Seminars. Workshop: What is phenomenology? |
601 K. Donelaičio str. 52 |
World Politics and Economy – unique opportunity for student
Study programme of “World Politics and Economy” provides unique opportunities for students to achieve competences in political science / international relations and economics. This is a multidisciplinary programme focusing on two core elements in contemporary world that become extremely intertwined. The changes in economies of individual states or global economic patterns directly lead to social, political and international challenges politicians, international organizations and experts have to deal with. On the other hand global challenges like climate change, migration, challenges to democracy and rule of law do not only affect politics, but also have a substantial economic impact. The students are prepared to meet those challenges, to analyse them and be able to suggest the best choices on national, regional and international levels. The programme attracts a lot of students from different countries and continents, so students have opportunities to study in multicultural environment and prepare themselves for multicultural world. After finishing studies students can find job opportunities in public and private sectors, international organizations, or start their own businesses or consulting companies. The head of the bachelor programme “World Politics and Economy” dr. Giedrius Česnakas is presenting the programme.
What goals seeking young personalities may be interested in bachelor degree programme “World Politics and Economy”? What should they expect to learn in this programme?
In my perspective the programme attracts students who are eager to gain essential knowledge not only in political science and international relations but also in economy. These three elements supplement each other very well as politics and economics become extremely interconnected. This nexus is expressed in the programme. The knowledge, how economy affects domestic and international politics and vice versa equips students for employment in public and private sectors. It has to be underlined, that the programme is international, so students learn in multicultural environment and for them this opens prospects as well as contacts for their future career.
Nowadays, it is essential to acquire practical skills for labour market. How should students acquire practical skills?
Students gain a lot of skills. First of all they have a lot of information about processes in the world and they gain knowledge to analyze them, to connect events, let us say in domestic politics of particular country to global economic tendencies, and etc. They participate in simulations, work in groups, do research, present findings, and learn critically assess information, work in multicultural environment. So the spectrum of skills is really broad.
What are the unique features of the programme “World Politics and Economy” in comparison with the other programmes in Lithuania?
This is truly interdisciplinary programme making nexus between political science and economics. Second, this programme is in English. Third, this is multicultural programme. Fourth, they work in the environment of openness and critical thinking. These four pillars make it unique.
What students can expect of this programme? Where can alumni work?
Students can expect very interesting and diverse studies, work in the environment of critical thinking, as well as multicultural environment. Students are prepared to work for the government, in ministries, nongovernmental organizations, private sector, and to create their own businesses or NGO’s, to pursue their dreams.
The third annual scientific conference
The third annual scientific conference ‘Contemporary Political Processes: Challenges and Opportunities’ at the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy
The third annual scientific conference ‘Contemporary Political Processes: Challenges and Opportunities’, organized by the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy, will open on the 27th of April from 9:45 at the Small Hall at Vytautas Magnus University (Daukanto st. 28, 2nd floor).
The aim of the conference is to discuss political and security processes in Lithuania, region and the world their impact on societies. It is obvious that 2016 have been full of challenges on the global security agenda, the election in the United States of America and BREXIT forces to rethink changing positions of the West in the World Order and their global impact. 2017 will not be more peaceful – elections in France and Germany, energy security issues, changing positions of Turkey, an ongoing aggression of Russia and many other issues. A lot of those issues will be discussed in the conference.
Political sociology, political communication and technologies have a lot of attention in the conference this year. This clearly indicates the growing importance of informational impact on societies, political behaviour and formation of identities.
This year the conference will have the widest spectrum of participants and guests from abroad.
More information about the conference you will find in the conference programme.
Interview with a student of our Faculty
Interview with Mohamed Zakaria Belmehdi, a student of Bachelor study programme International Politics and Development, about his political science studies at Vytautas Magnus University. M. Z. Belmehdi is VMU Ambassador from Marocco.
Why did you choose to study in International Politics and Development study field and why from all other universities did you choose to study at Vytautas Magnus University?
For me I’m attracted to political science, the subjects of the program attracted me as well as the description about individual subjects and the program. Before coming to Vytautas Magnus University I’m was searching about a suitable political science program in English language, plus Lithuania attracted me the most.
Since you are studying in your last semester, could you please describe what experience have you received from VMU International Politics and Development studies?
Studying in VMU International Politics and Development Studies, have deepen my knowledge about political science in general and also about politics in some other regions of the world, I would say that now I’m more knowledgeable in the field than when I came in my first year, although I still need to do more efforts.
What did you like the most in VMU? Could you please describe VMU’s advantages and disadvantages?
It’s very hard to say one thing exactly, I’m satisfied 99% with my studies and the university. I like most of the subjects, most of the professors, the education system, the events and activities.
VMU advantages: high quality of education, flexible and decentralized system of education, a lot of students activities and events, international environment in both teaching staff and students, friendliness within the teaching and administrative staff and of course students, modern and rich library.
VMU disadvantages: I guess the A and B groups system should be reformed or abolished, and also we should learn from the first year how to write academic paper properly.
Had you any additional activities while studying? Did you participate in university clubs or organisations; other organizations? What did you gain from these activities? In case you did not participate, please clarify why? What could you recommend for younger colleagues?
Of course, I would describe myself as the most active international student in VMU, I was taking part in almost every event organised by ESN, and later on I join them, I took part in events of other organisations such as APK, Asians clubs, etc…
It was useful for me especially clubs that are oriented toward politics I learned a lot and had chance to express myself. In others I had fun, and in others I learned about other cultures, also sometimes you meet some wonderful people.
However unfortunately, there are three main challenges, some organisations are not open to foreign students, others are totalitarian organisations and they don’t accept the others opinion and also I don’t know what is wrong with recent international students but many of them are not interested in taking part in extracurricular activities.
For younger colleagues, I would suggest them to be more active, to be ambassadors of their cultures. Many students want to know about others cultures.
Have you participated in Erasmus + or bilateral exchange programmes? If yes, was it beneficial? What experience have you gained? Have the studies in foreign countries any differences? If no, why did you not you embrace the opportunity?
Unfortunately, I never been as an Erasmus student, for personal reasons as well as the fact that the third and fourth year of studies are very interesting to be missed, on the other hand I took part in Erasmus Internship in Plzeň (Czech Republic), and it was interesting to learn about another country culture and see how is it life there.
What are your plans and dreams for the near future? Do you plan to link your future with your study programme?
I would like to continue my master studies, and in this case I’ll jump directly to the next question.
Do you plan to study Master degree? If yes, what programme do you plan to study?
Yes, I would like to study International Relations and Diplomacy master in VDU, however I wish if a new program of political science will be open, preferably something about Eastern Europe politics.
What could you wish for students who dream/plan to study in VMU Faculty of Political science and Diplomacy?
I would simply say, if you want to study in a high quality education, in an international environment, and having fun, then VMU is the right place for you, and of course the student should be interested and love political science, then PMDF is the right place.
In which study programme do you study?
4th year International Politics and Development Studies.
Interview prepared by Jūratė Vietaitė
Cooperation between VMU and EHU
On March 25th it was Open Door Days at the European Humanities University (EHU) in Vilnius. The Open Door Days participants were mainly from Belarus who intend to study in Lithuania in bachelor or master level. Many prospective students were interested in joint-degree programme “World Politics and Economy” which is common programme between VMU and EHU since 2015.
European Humanities University is often named as the Belarusian university in exile. Founded in Minsk in 1992, EHU became a “university-in-exile” in 2004 after it was shut down by Belarusian authorities for standing up against attempts to undermine its academic freedom.
Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has supported the EHU activities since its establishment in Lithuania. VMU professors gave lectures to Belarusian students and advised the development of new and improvement of old programs.
The new stage of cooperation between VMU and EHU began three years ago when common undergraduate program in English language was developed and implemented. Half of the studies period, students spend the first and the fourth years of study in Vilnius and another part, the second and the third years of study in Kaunas, Vytautas Magnus university. The study process is common and supervised by joint study committee of both universities.
Assoc. Prof. Andžej Pukšto, Head of Department of Political Science (VMU) says : “This is unique program both in Lithuania and Central and Eastern European level“.
The main goal is to learn the students to analyze the functioning of contemporary political systems, also assess the specific features of the free market both in Europe and around the world. In addition, teachers paid more attention to the development of international relations and macroeconomic processes.
Assoc. Prof. Andrei Stsiapanau, the Head of Department of Social Sciences (EHU), is very satisfied with the adaptation of the second-year students in Kaunas, most of them reached perfect academic results.
Interest of the program “World Politics and Economy” especially has grown this year, it obliges us to take care of the quality of studies, to think about attraction of new social partners.
Competition for the Erasmus+ Traineeship Grants
All fulltime degree students who would like to participate in the competition for Erasmus+ student or Erasmus+ recent graduate traineeship scholarships should submit their application documents until 23/04/2017.
Application Documents:
– application form;
– confirmation of the host organization / enterprise (according to the International Office confirmed form);
– recommendation of the faculty member (only for recent graduates traineeship).
Selection Criteria :
– student’s motivation;
– good knowledge of the language which will be used during the traineeship;
– student’s work, study, traineeship, participation in the international / academic projects, social activities experience in Lithuania and abroad;
– conformability between the chosen traineeship and student’s study programme;
– study results (first year master degree students should attach transcript of records of their bachelor / master degree to the application form).
Priority is given:
– to students whom placement is an obligatory part of their study programme;
– to students who have never been Erasmus traineeship student before.
Placement period – from 2 to 4 months (the latest date of the ending: for student traineeship – 29/09/2017, for recent graduates – in a year after graduation).
Competition results will be sent to every participant via e-mail as well as published in the VMU web site and Information boards on the 3rd of May, 2017. For more information please visit VMU webpage (www.vdu.lt/en/studies/internships/erasmus-traineeships/).
Last year students cannot participate in the competition for Erasmus+ student traineeship grants. Only last year students can participate in the competition for Erasmus+ recent graduate traineeship scholarships. Students, who have already used more than 10 months of their Erasmus studies and traineeship mobility in the study cycle they are studying now, cannot participate in the competition. Non EU citizens must acquire TRP or RP before the start of the traineeship.
Upon faculties decision there might be some extra criteria added or/ and criteria prioritized. For more information please contact international relations coordinator in your faculty.
Students with disabilities or special needs are eligible for extra funding to cover extra cost occurring (due to disability or special need) during the mobility. Please contact the coordinator.
Public Lectures of Visiting Assoc. Prof. E. K. Rašidagić
On 11-12th of April a visiting assoc. prof. Assoc. Prof. Ešref Kenan Rašidagić (University of Sarajevo) will be give a public lectures in the Faculty of Political science and Diplomacy:
11-th of April, 4.15 pm., campus Putvinskio street 23, hall 311 – The role of regional powers in foreign policy decision making in small states in the Western Balkans.
12-th of April, 11 am., campus Gedimino 44, hall 203 – Can we talk about political Islam in Bosnia?
The lectures are open and everybody is welcomed to participate.
Call for Abstracts for Annual Conference
3rd Annual Conference: ‘Contemporary Political Processes: Challenges and Opportunities”
The 3rd annual conference ‘Contemporary Political Processes: Challenges and Opportunities’ will take place on 27th April, 2017, during “Faculty days” event.
It is organized by the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy and hosted by Vytautas Magnus University. The conference aims to advance studies on various fields within the discipline of political science and provide young scholars with an opportunity to share their research.
Due to the emphasis on young scholars, master and doctoral students are especially encouraged to submit their proposals within these broad thematic fields:
- Lithuania in the Global World
- Contemporary Changes in Global Security;
- Regional Studies;
- Challenges to Governance and Public Administration;
- News outlets, social media and information warfare;
- Resolution of Contemporary Conflicts;
- Other thematic fields are welcome.
Conference languages: Lithuanian and English
Abstract should be submitted to Giedrius Cesnakas via e-mail (giedrius.cesnakas@vdu.lt). They cannot exceed 200 words and are expected to be submitted until 3rd April, 2017.
Best presentations will be considered for publication in peer-reviewed journal “Lithuanian Foreign Policy Review”.
Organization Committee:
Dr. Gerda Jakštaitė
Dr. Giedrius Česnakas
Dr. Gintarė Žukaitė
PhD. candidate Justinas Juozaitis
DhD. candidate Brigita Lokė
For further inquiry: Giedrius Česnakas (giedrius.cesnakas@vdu.lt; 868072207)
