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Accepted Paper:
Panel discussion: the need for international comparative research in the history of the Polar Regions
Suzanne Zeller
(Wilfrid Laurier University)
Ronald E Doel
(Florida State University)
Julia Lajus
(University of Helsinki)
Urban Wråkberg
(UiT Arctic University of Norway)
Sverker Sörlin
(KTH Stockholm)
Paper short abstract:
In what ways can scholars address large undertakings in the environmental sciences—involving multiple national actors and developments? Do ‘Big science’ undertakings demand ‘big history’ approaches? This round-table discussion explores he production of knowledge in broadest terms.
Paper long abstract:
How can scholars approach the histories of large global-spanning projects, and analyze research undertakings that involved dozens of nations, including the International Polar Year II (1932-33) and the International Geophysical Year (1957-58), which ultimately gained participants from sixty-six nations? How to understand trends and developments occurring at the same time in several distinct nations? Recently historians have argued that the ‘lone wolf’ approach to writing history may not be enough to meet the challenge of interpreting major developments—including in the environmental sciences. Collaboration can become “a means to producing knowledge that would otherwise never happen.” What models for such scholarship exist; what can be achieved? This round-table (including researchers who have pursued these approaches) will explore this issue broadly and welcome ideas and experiences from audience members.