The Institute for Human Sciences (IHS) was established at Boston University in November 2001, in response to growing tensions in the transatlantic relationship. Our programs explore the differences in culture, values, and national experience between the United States and Europe, with the goal of improving transatlantic cooperation and understanding. We are particularly interested in the intersection of international relations and culture.
The IHS is affiliated with the Vienna-based Institut fur die Wissenschaften vom Menschen (IWM), an independent, interdisciplinary center for advanced study in the humanities and social sciences. IHS programs involve teachers and students as well as politicians and policy makers, journalists, artists, writers, and the public at large in a growing number of multi-purpose and multi-disciplinary projects. It also serves as the American base for joint projects with the IWM.
In 2007, the IHS began to collaborate with the European Commission Delegation in Washington DC in bringing knowledge of the European Union, its policies, and institutions to a broader North American public. The EU for You website was developed as part of that initiative: “Getting to Know the European Union: Member States in Focus”. In 2008, the IHS was awarded a second grant from the European Commission for a follow-up project: “Getting to Know the European Union: European Cultures in Focus.” Activities have included a series of visits by European artists and writers – exploring politics through the prism of culture – as well as an international conference on the Future of Food.
The goal of the collaboration is to engage the public in a serious debate on the European Union that goes beyond its political and structural aspects and considers the deeper meanings of “citizenship.” The project envisions the emergence of a global culture with a revitalized transatlantic partnership at its core.
On the EU for You podcast, we you will hear a variety of European perspectives on politics, literature, and culture. And on the EU for You blog, you will find show notes to accompany the podcast – background information, speaker biographies, relevant links and suggestions for further reading.
