Tartu Ülikool is a leading European institution for research in semiotics and literary theory. Furthermore, it is an ideal access point to examine perspectives and narratives relating to the historical and contemporary issues that underlie current constructions of peripeties in the eastern Baltic Sea Region. Based on its history and geographical position, Tartu has a specific insider perspective on the region that is shaped by the tensions between its relationship to Russia and its western integration. With interdisciplinary research priorities in cultural semiotics, theology and religious studies, cultural, historical, ethnological and translation research, a special focus on the legacy of heteronomy and trauma arising from changing foreign rule informs the research approaches in Tartu. The university also provides outstanding and internationally renowned resources in post-graduate academic education and research, as well as far-reaching expertise in the analysis of text and culture – and thus excellent opportunities for the investigation of Baltic peripeties and the study of cultural phenomena. Contributing to the critical perspective on the past and present of the Baltic Sea Region are furthermore partners like the Estonian Literature Museum and the Centre for Digital Humanities. Several important memory institutions, like the Estonian National Archives, the University Library and the Estonian National Museum contain a veritable treasure trove of historical source material on the Baltic Region from the university’s founding years in the 17th century through the Soviet period until today.

Find out more about Tartu Ülikool and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.