Maps and Nations will explore how cartography has helped nations and states construct, bind together, and defend their national spaces and populations through the survey of national, colonial, and military landscapes; by the delineation of national boundaries and the statistical definition of national populations; by mapping, planning, and promoting national infrastructure; and by the formulation and propagation of national geographic consciousness in the schools and popular media. These explorations of the relationships between mapping and community definition will allow seminar participants to consider the ethical dimensions of the use of historic maps in their research and in the public arena.

The twice-weekly seminar sessions will be led by Dr. Akerman, with occasional guest lecturers. Seminar participants will have the opportunity to do research in the Newberry's internationally renowned collection of historic maps and to participate in the planning and writing of a proposed Newberry Library exhibit.

Participation in the seminar will be limited to twelve students, who will be selected on the basis of their applications for admission. Complete applications for admission must be received by the Smith Center by April 16, 1999.

For application forms and further information, please contact James R. Akerman, Director (312-255-3523) or Kristen Block (312-255-3659), or email the Smith Center. Information about the Newberry Library, its cartographic collections, and the Smith Center may be obtained from the Newberry Library.

Or write to: The Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography, The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60610-3380.