AreaS

The research group for area studies, AreaS, was established in June 2016 and was organized under the Department of Language, Literature, and Culture at Østfold University College (HiØ). The group was open to colleagues from other departments and faculties at the university college, as well as external institutions. The group's focal point was the analysis of material and immaterial areas. "Material areas" referred to territories with a continental, subcontinental, national, or subnational dimension. "Immaterial areas" were understood as political, cultural, economic, historical, or linguistic constructions that had been or were in some way connected to and interacting with territories.

AreaS focused on democratic values and analyzed how such values could be undermined or strengthened through book production, seminars, and contributions to public debate in society. AreaS prioritized an interdisciplinary approach to the study of material and immaterial areas, drawing on various fields such as political science, economics, history, geography, cultural studies, sociology, media studies, and language. AreaS placed great emphasis on linguistic diversity. The group primarily published in Norwegian and English, while other languages relevant to the analysis of specific areas were also utilized. This was reflected in the group's blog.

The research group concluded its activities at HiØ in December 2024. Those who wish to contact the group can reach out to Franck Orban (franck.orban@hiof.no) or Elin Strand Larsen (elin.strand.larsen@hiof.no).