Summer school announcement: Introduction to Anthropology of Outer Space


August 18-24, 2019, National Astronomy Observatory “Rozhen”, Bulgaria

Anthropologists have always been interested in space exploration. Soon after the launch of Sputnik, on October 4, 1957, Margaret Mead headed a workshop to discuss the cultural significance of the human presence beyond Earth (Mead and Métraux 1957). The last several decades have brought a new perspective to the Anthropology of Outer Space. Thanks to the works of Lisa Messeri, David Valentine, Janet Vertesi, Sean T. Mitchell, Valerie Olson, and some others, outer space is now part of the very core of anthropology as fieldwork. 

The Summer School aims at bringing the experience and inspiration of our American colleagues to the ‘Old World‘ anthropology, especially to the young generation anthropologists and social scientists. During the week long program the participants will work through master classes and workshops on the following subjects:

  • Theoretical frameworks for the study of outer space in anthropology, STS, and other social sciences;
  • The key challenges of New Space economy;
  • Identification of promising research problems and design of own research project 

Course leaders (confirmed) 

Lisa Messeri (Yale University, USA), Sean T. Mitchell (Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA), Ivan Tchalakov (University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria), two space entrepreneurs sharing their experience (to be announced)

More info at School web site:  http://outerspace.uni-plovdiv.net

Contacts of organizers: 

Ivan Tchalakov tchalakov@gmail.com

Irina Popravko irina.popravko83@gmail.com