May 14

by Izabela Paszko

“The Sleep of Reason Produces … Rumours” *

The phenomena of vivid grapevine communication, ferociously bred rumours and fake news seems to be a domain of modern times. However, these communicative inconsistencies have their historical and social continuity, recurring in times of distress and information noise. Let’s take the case of the wartime period: no internet, censored mass media, illegal information channels versus official propaganda. Who or what can be trusted?

Apr 15

by Alastair Mackie

‘Hey Europe, Scotland Has a Message for You!’: Scottish Independence and the Value of Values

‘As long as Scotland is here, Europe, you are always welcome!’ After having zoomed in on a woman who just made this statement, the camera expands to the view of a lighthouse. The words ScotlandIsHere appear on screen, followed by #ScotlandIsNow.

Mar 15

by Alexandra Rabensteiner

“Don’t Know Much About History?” – Pandemic Perspectives

Can we learn from history? This is not just a question historians ask themselves but also a question of social relevance. In some cases, the only choice is to learn in order to prevent, for example regarding the Holocaust. ‘Never again’ is a simple but urgent demand. But what about other cases – for example, a pandemic?

Feb 15

by Catharina Lüder

It’s all about wood: urban oaks between beetles and beeches

What and who is a wood for? Especially in urban surroundings natural places are entangled in a myriad of practices. It is no simple task to accomodate them all and conflicts are bound to occur. Can they be resolved?