CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- A world-class Slavic and East European Library, a film series and symposium on gender and cinema, and the opportunity to compare notes with colleagues are just a few of the draws that will bring scholars to the annual Summer Research Laboratory on Russia and Eastern Europe June 12-Aug. 4 at the University of Illinois.
Hosted by the UI's Russian and East European Center, the program was established in 1973 to provide university researchers, graduate students and independent scholars with access to a wealth of UI resources.
Most notable among them is the University Library's Slavic and East European Library, which houses the largest Slavic collection west of Washington, D.C.
The lab also serves as an intellectual incubator for visiting "associates," who may sign on for any period of time during the lab, and are encouraged to take advantage of formal and informal opportunities to discuss their current projects.
A number of voluntary discussion groups will be organized, on topics such as early Russian history, Polish studies, and cultural aspects of contemporary Russia.
Other forums include the 10th Annual Slavic Librarians' workshop, a two-day Ukrainian symposium on "Ukrainian Bio-bibliography," and a workshop on women in Slavic culture and literature.
Also scheduled in conjunction with the lab is a film series and symposium on gender and cinema in Russia and Eastern Europe, presented in cooperation with the culture and literature workshop. The film series runs June 19-23, at 7:30 p.m. in 101 International Studies Building, 910 S. Fifth St., Champaign; the symposium will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in 314A and B, Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana.
Additional activities include a research workshop for graduate students, a weekly brown-bag lecture series and social hours.
"We think that the research workshop -- which is open to all and not just graduate students -- is unique in the field," said REEC assistant director Lynda Park. "In this extensive workshop, leading experts from the United States, Russia and Eastern Europe will provide very practical and up-to-date information on how to conduct research in those regions, which often can be a mystery."
More detailed information about scheduled activities and application requirements is available on the lab's Web site: www.uiuc.edu/unit/reec/srl.htm, or by calling (217) 333-1244.