A biennial conference organized by the Czech and Slovak Association for American Studies & the Department of British and American Studies, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia
Deadlines:
Submission of abstracts: 31 April 2025
Conference date: 12-13 September 2025
CALL FOR PAPERS
Proposals should include:
- A title and abstract (300-500 words) outlining the focus and argument of the proposed paper.
- A brief bio (150 words) of the author, including institutional affiliation.
- Please submit your abstract and bio via e-mail to: eastmeetswest.kosice2025@gmail.com
We invite submissions for the conference, “East Meets West: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on America’s Changing Image,” which will examine how America’s global image has transformed in recent years. In the 21st century, representations of America are undergoing significant shifts. Once central to narratives of liberty and opportunity, its image is now examined through a diverse range of literary, cultural, philosophical lenses, including perspectives from both within America and regions such as Central and Eastern Europe and Asia and beyond.
This interdisciplinary conference will explore these evolving perspectives and how they are reflected in literature, media, cultural narratives and food studies. What does it mean for the American identity and its global reputation when the long-held narrative of being the „promised land“ is questioned? How are cross-cultural exchanges between America and the East, particularly Central and Eastern Europe, represented?
We welcome papers that address these and related questions, offering fresh perspectives on how America’s image is being reshaped in today’s globalized and interconnected world:
Shifting Perspectives in American Literature, Culture, and Media
How do contemporary American novels, films, and cultural texts reflect these shifting narratives? How are these shifting perspectives represented across various cultural forms, and what impact do they have on America’s global image?
Philosophical Reflections on American Identity
How do contemporary philosophical perspectives reflect the evolving nature of American values and identity? How do critical theories, including post-postmodernism, critical race theory, gender related theories and eco-philosophy, analyze current social, political, and ethical challenges?
Central and Eastern European Perspectives on America
What roles do literature and media from Central and Eastern Europe play in reimagining America’s global image? How do these regions, historically shaped by American influence during the Cold War, now perceive America in the context of modern geopolitical changes?
Freedom, Democracy, and the American Dream in Crisis
How has the concept of the American Dream evolved in contemporary cultural narratives? What role does this iconic idea play in shaping America’s image both domestically and internationally, and how is it critiqued and replaced in today’s global culture?
Literary and Cultural Representations of America
How do novels, films, and visual media depict the decline or persistence of America in the 21st century? Are there new symbols or metaphors that represent America’s changing role on the world stage?
Transnational Perspectives on American Identity
How do immigrant and diaspora writers in America contribute to or challenge the shifting global perspectives on American identity? How do cross-cultural narratives portray the complex relationship between Eastern and Western values, and what does this reveal about American identity in a global context?
International relations and collaboration
How are recent developments reflected in international relations and the American involvement in the Eastern European region and beyond?
Interdisciplinary Contributions
This conference invites interdisciplinary insights from the fields of literary studies, cultural studies, media studies, linguistics, philosophy, political theory, international relations, and related disciplines. We encourage papers that explore the cultural, historical, and linguistic dimensions of these shifts, with a particular focus on literature, media representations, and cross-cultural dialogues.
We invite submissions from a broad range of disciplines, including but not limited to international relations, literature, cultural studies, history, and media studies. Papers that engage critically with cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives will be given priority.
Proposals should include:
- A title and abstract (300-500 words) outlining the focus and argument of the proposed paper.
- A brief bio (150 words) of the author, including institutional affiliation.
- Please submit your abstract and bio via e-mail to: eastmeetswest.kosice2025@gmail.com
Presentation requirements:
The Conference rooms will be equipped with computers (OS Windows) and projectors (beamers). Presenters should have their presentations on a USB or an online cloud service; connecting presenters’ computers to the projectors will not be possible.
Registration Fees
Standard registration fee: 100 EUR
Members of CSAAS: 90 EUR
PhD students: 80 EUR
KOŠICE – THE METROPOLIS OF THE EAST SLOVAKIA
Košice, the second largest city in Slovakia, has always been an natural centre of business, culture and education. Košice’s earliest documents date back to 1230 and refer to it as “Villa Cassa”. Its coat of arms is the oldest in Europe, a fact attested to by a letter dating from 1369. The city’s historic sights – from various periods – are concentrated in the centre, the Urban Heritage Area. The recently reconstructed Singing Fountain offers visitors an impressive show right in the middle of Main Street.
Košice is a city with an eventful and illustrious past and multicultural and colourful present. It is a seat of culture and education. During the university semesters students make the city their own, and one may find them at every turn: in the theatres, the museums, the galleries, the concert halls, the libraries, and the parks. Almost nine thousand future professionals in medical, legal, scientific, social, philosophical disciplines and arts study at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, further swelling the already large permanent population of the city of over 240,000.
More about Košice at www.kosice.sk
CONFERENCE VENUE
Directions to the conference venue, accommodation, and restaurants can be found in this map of Kosice.
Please note that neither Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, nor CSAAS, will pay for, or accept liability for, travel, accommodation, living or other expenses incurred by participants, unless previously agreed in writing.
All conference participants should be aware that neither Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, nor CSAAS, have or will accept any liability whatsoever for any damage or injury to visitors, to the university or to property, however such damage or injury may be caused.
Participants are expected to be fully insured by their own institutions or through their personal insurance for personal health, accident/property coverage (also against claims made by third parties) during their participation in the Conference.
Welcome to the beautiful city of Košice which offers hundreds of spectacular places for you to enjoy. Even though there are plenty of other restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs in Košice, we highly recommend the following selection which we consider to be among the best. We hope you will enjoy the wide variety of places that we have chosen for you. Most are situated right in the historical centre, so you do not have to spend much time finding them.
RESTAURANTS
All of the following restaurants offer a daily menu for reasonable prices between 11.30 am and 2 pm, usually including a starter, a main course, and a dessert. We have decided to rate them for you with stars, even though it is not an official ranking.
Le Colonial, Hlavná 8, http://www.lecolonial.sk/ ****
Mon-Sun 11.00–23.00
A colonial style restaurant offering high-class delicious meals and a wide variety of drinks served by a professional staff.
Golden Royal, Vodná 8, http://www.goldenroyal.sk/ ****
Tue-Sun 11.00–21.00, Mon Closed
Situated in a charming Winter Garden with delicious international cuisine.
LaHacienda, Mäsiarska 430/8, https://lahacienda.sk/en/ ****
Mon Closed, Tue-Thu 11.00–23.00, Fri-Sat 11.00–24.00, Sun 11.00–23.00
Offers high quality Mexican food, including burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, traditional Mexican desserts and drinks. Situated in very stylish interior.
Pivovar Hostinec, Levočský dom, Hlavná 65, https://www.pivovarhostinec.sk/en/ ****
Mon-Thu 15.00–24.00, Fri 15.00–01.00, Sat 12.00–01.00, Sun 12.00–24.00
It is the oldest restaurant in Europe with a great atmosphere placed in a 15th century gothic building serving high-quality food. It is also a great place for tasting different kinds of beer.
Rosto Steakhouse, Orlia 6, http://www.rosto.sk/ ****
Mon-Fri 11.00–23.00, Sat 12.00–23.00, Sun 12.00–22.00
The only official steakhouse in Košice serves mainly delicious steaks, but also grilled fish and Oriental specialities. It also includes a charming summer garden.
Bakoš Bistro, Krivá 14, https://www.bakosbistro.sk/sk ****
Mon-Fri 9.00–16.00, Sat-Sun 9.00– 7.00
Young chef’s bistro based on high quality ingredients from local Slovak suppliers. The cuisine concentrates on traditional, healthy and light recipes with modern variants and ingredients. Suitable for breakfast, brunch as well as for lunch and dinner. Serves great coffee.
Little India, Kováčska 23, http://www.littleindiakosice.sk/ ***
Mon-Fri 10.00 – 22.00, Sat 11.00 – 22.00, Sun 12.00 – 22.00
Indian restaurant where you can try specialties prepared by our cooks accompanied with a pleasant environment. Enjoy the unique taste of Indian specialties.
Villa Regia, Dominikánske námestie 3, http://www.villaregia.sk/sk/restauracia ****
Mon-Fri 11.00–18.00, Sat 11.30–18.00, Sun Closed
One of the most popular restaurants in the city with a historical atmosphere, massive wooden tables, wooden statues, and a fire place. If you are a fan of steaks, it is the place for you.
Camelot, Kováčska 19, http://www.restaurant-camelot.sk/ ***
Mon-Fri 11.00–24.00, Sat-Sun 15.00–01.00, Sat 15:00–24.00
An outstanding restaurant inspired by the legendary Camelot castle offers great steaks, raw meat specialities and one of the best Czech beers in Košice.
Karczma Mlyn, Hlavná 82, http://www.karczmamlyn.sk/ ***
Mon-Thu 11.00–23.00, Fri 11.00–24.00, Sat 11.30–24.00, Sun 11.30– 22.00
The restaurant premises are decorated with historical rural wooden working tools and Goral paintings typical for the era. The restaurant staff will serve meals to you, offering the selection of meals made of fresh products.
Bamboo Sushi&Grill, Hlavná 78 ***
Mon-Thu 10.30–22.00, Fri 10.30–23.00, Sat 12.00–23.00, Sun 12.00–21.00
Bamboo Sushi&Grill offers specialities from Asian cuisine in a pleasant, decent and stylish interior. Besides sushi, the visitors can also taste Vietnamese and Thai cuisine.
Sushi Maiko, Hlavná 1, http://www.sushimaiko.sk/ **
Mon-Sun 11.00–22.30
A modern sushi restaurant situated in Double Tree by Hilton offers a great selection of fresh sushi also available in the form of daily menus. Gluten-free dishes are also available.
Grange, Mäsiarská 8, https://grange.farm/ ***
Mon-Fri 11.00–22.00, Sat 13.00–22.00, Sun 13.00–21.00
Perfect place to grab a burger and fries.
BRGR, Bastion Office Center, Továrenská 8, 040 01 Košice, https://brgr.sk/kosice ****
Mon-Sat 11.00–21.00, Sun 15.00–20.00
The most recently opened burger place in Košice. They also offer perfect homemade fries and coleslaw.
Peppe’s, Mäsiarska 8, http://www.peppes.sk/index.php ***
Mon-Sun 11.00–22.00
Italian restaurant offering delicious pizza and pasta with the focus on Sicilian cuisine, prepared from fresh ingredients by Sicilian chef Giuseppe.
Zvon, Zvonárska 4, https://pizzeriazvon.sk/ ***
Mon-Sat 10.00–22.00, Sun closed
Another Italian restaurant, famous especially for its pasta.
BlueBell, Bočná 6, https://www.bluebellke.sk/ ***
Stylish place offering daily menus. It is famous for its terrace with the view of Saint Elizabeth’s Cathedral where you can enjoy your coffee or beer. In the evenings they often organize concerts of young talented musicians and bands.
Vincent, Alžbetina 6, http://www.vincent-restaurant.sk/ **
Mon-Thu 10.00–23.00, Fri 10.00–1.00, Sat 11.00–24.00, Sun 12.00–23.00
This restaurant decorated by some of Vincent Van Gogh’s famous paintings is an ideal place for quick lunches offering delicious daily menus for reasonable prices.
Halmi Cafe, Hlavná 21 **
Mon-Thu 9.00–22.00, Fri 09.00–00.00, weekends 14.00–22.00.
Multigenre space and coworking café in the heart of the city.
Burekas, Vrátna 58, **
Mon-Fri 8.30–19.00, Sat Closed, Sun 12.00–19.00
A unique Jewish restaurant with a special menu including Falafel and Humus served by friendly staff. You can enjoy yourself in a beautiful garden space for low prices.
FASTFOOD
Pizza Pizzalino, Hlavná 108
Mon-Thu 11.00–2.00, Fri-Sat 11.00–4.00, Sun 15.00–24.00
A very popular place for late-night snacks for a special price of €1 for a slice of pizza.
McDonald’s, Protifašistických bojovníkov 6
Mon-Sun 7.00–24.00
Aupark Foodcourt, Námestie osloboditeľov
Mon-Sun 9.00–20.00
The second floor of Aupark shopping centre includes various types of restaurants (Chinese, Mexican, Slovak), Kebab or the popular Subway sandwiches. Surrounded by cafés, lounges and beer places.
Burrito, Hlavná 9/12
Mon-Thu 11.00–21.00, Fri 11.00–22.00, Sat 11.00–21.00, Sun Closed
Offers traditional Mexican specialities including burritos, quesadillas and chilli bowls served to go. Based on fresh and local ingredients.
Noodler, Hlavná 91/65
Mon-Sun 10.00–22.00
Perfect place for quick lunch/diner, offering various types of Asian noodles with the possibility to choose different kinds of sauces and toppings, served to go in little boxes.
Soup Culture, Hviezdoslavova 4
Mon-Fri 10.00–19.00, Sat 10.00–18.00, Sun Closed
Healthy fast food offering homemade soups, including vegan variants, served to go in edible cups.
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Nico Caffé, Kuzmányho 1
Mon-Fri 8.00–22.00, Sat-Sun 9.00–22.00
Offers breakfast, brunch as well as lunch and dinner menu. Great coffee and homemade baked goods.
Šálka kávy, Hviezdoslavova 2
Mon-Fri 7.00–22.00, Sat-Sun 8.00–22.00
The perfect place for healthy breakfast, freshly baked cakes, coffee, tea, homemade specialties, and egg omelets in a beautiful interior.
San Domenico, Dominikánske námestie 3
Mon-Sat 7.00–20.00, Sun 8.00–18.00
Located in the centre of the historical town, San Domenico also offers a bio-breakfast with an option of lactose-free and gluten-free specialties.
Cinnamon Dream Bakery, Poštová 2
Mon-Fri 12.00–18.30, Sat-Sun 11.00–18.00
Delicious freshly baked cinnamon rolls with various toppings including chocolate, salted caramel, nuts, Oreos and others. Served to go in little boxes.
COFFEE, TEA, ICE CREAM, HOT CHOCOLATE
Doraz Café, Dominikánske námeste 590/0
Mon-Fri 07.00–18.00, Sat-Sun 07.00–16.00
The closest coffee place to our university. Amazing coffee, cool environment, and perfect atmosphere near the city market where they offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers every day.
Saint Coffee, Hlavná 41
Mon-Thu 07.00–21.30, Fri-Sat 08.00–22.00, Sun 08.00–21:30
A vibrant coffee place. It also offers snacks and cakes.
Frištik, Zvonárska 2/B
Mon closed, Tue-Fri 07.30–14.30, Sat-Sun 08.30–12.30
Tiny and stylish coffee place, they serve cakes and sandwiches.
Melody – fine roastery, Zvonárska 149/12
Mon-Wed 10.00–17.00, Thu-Fri 10.00–18.00, Sat 13.00–19.00
Perfect coffee, cakes, a little shop where you can buy chocolate and accessories for coffee making, and they also roast coffee here.
Red Velvet Cake Bar, Hlavná 40/74
Sun-Thu 10.00–22.00, Fri-Sat 10.00–23.00
A perfect place where you can have coffee and amazing cakes. During the evening it is transformed into a bar and they serve drinks.
Caffé Trieste, Uršulínska 2
Mon-Sat 7.30–19.00, Sun 8.30–19.00
High-quality coffee in a little cosy place right next to Main Street.
Coffee World – Kávy sveta, Hlavná 65
Mon-Fri 9.00–22.00, Sat, Sun 10.00–22.00
American, Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese, Ethiopian, French, Indian/Pakistani, Italian, Mexican or Turkish are only some of the amazing coffee types this place offers. A great cafeteria offering hundreds of coffee specialties from all around the world.
Republika Východu, Hlavná 31
Mon-Thu 8.00–22.00, Fri-Sat 8.00–23.00, Sun 8.00–21.00
The first café with a theme of Eastern Slovakia where the menu and the products are listed in the dialect of Košice. Popular for its stylish interior, breakfast, crépes, sandwiches, vegetarian meals, good coffee and drinks.
Little Havana, Kováčska 13
Mon-Thu 18.00–1.00, Fri 18.00–2.00, Sat 18.00–1.00
A very stylish place to enjoy a glass of Cuban rum, whiskey, coffee or tea.
Bonbónik, Hlavná 20
Mon-Fri 10.00–22.00, Sat 10.00–21.00, Sun 14.00–20.00
A chocolaterie offering delicious Belgian chocolate in manifold variations, including chocolate candies and pancakes.
Dobrá čajovňa, Mäsiarska 42
Mon-Sat 15.00–21.00
An amazing tea house offering hundreds of tea types, dry fruit and shishas with cosy decoration and the possibility to sit on the floor on Indian cushions.
Arthur Gelato, Hlavná 21
Mon-Thu 12.00–18.00, Fri-Sat 11.00– 9.00, Sun 11.00–18.00
Voted the 3rd best ice-cream in Košice, it offers different kinds of delicious gelato.
BEER AND WINE
All of the places offer great Slovak and Czech beer and various types of high-quality wines. Most of the places also serve typical Slovak and Czech specialties to go with beer (cheese, sausages, Tartar steak, ribs) which you should definitely try!
Golem, Dominikánske námestie 15, Mon-Thu 16.00–22.00, Fri 16.00–23.00, Sat 16.00–22.00
The Beer House, Hlavná 54, Mon 14.00–24.00, Tue-Fri 14.00–2.00, Sat 16.00–2.00, Sun 16.00–24.00
Pub U Kohúta, Hrnčiarska 23, Mon-Thu 11.00–23.00, Fri 11.00–24.00, Sat 18.00–1.00
Villa Cassa Vinoteque, Pri Miklušovej väznici 2, Mon-Fri 13.00–24.00, Sat 12.00–24.00
Camelot, Kováčska 19, Mon-Thu 15.00–24.00, Fri-Sat 15.00–1.00, Sun 15.00–24.00
Pilsner Urquell Pub Aupark, Námestie Osloboditeľov 1, Sun-Wed 11.00–23.00, Thu-Sat 11.00 – 1.00
Bernard, Alžbetina 4, Sun-Thu 17.00–2.00, Fri-Sat 17.00–4.00
Irish Pub Diesel, Hlavná 49, Mon-Thu 11.00–22.00, Fri 11:00–4.00, Sat 18:00–4.00
Pivotéka & Vinotéka, Hlavná 12, Mon-Thu 10.00–23.00, Fri 10.00–24.00, Sat-Sun 26.00–23.00
CLUBS
Jazz Disco Club, Kováčska 39, Tue-Wed 21.00–3.00, Thu 21.00–4.00 Fri-Sat 21.00–4.30
Retro Cult Club, Kováčska 49, Mon 21.00–2.00, Tue-Wed 21.00–3.30, Thu-Sat 21.00–4.30
SPECIALTIES FROM SLOVAK CUISINE
“Bryndzové halušky” (Sheep cheese dumplings) is the national Slovak dish. Sheep cheese gives a unique flavour to the meal by itself, but it is even tastier with small pieces of bacon greaves and sour cream. It is usually served with a glass of sour milk called “Žinčica”.
“Kapustnica” (Cabbage soup) is a Slovak thick sauerkraut soup traditionally prepared at the end of the year for Christmas. Kapustnica can be prepared in a lot of ways (ingredients, length of cooking, etc.) and it differs from region to region. In some regions, Kapustnica may contain smoked meat, sausages and mushrooms, in some regions it is a much simpler soup.
Fried Cheese with French Fries is a very popular Slovak/Czech dish mostly served with French fries and Tartar sauce (Tatárska omáčka) and salad.
“Lángoš” (Deep fried dough) is originally a Hungarian food but it is also a favourite take-away in Slovakia. Sometimes you’ll find it in restaurants as a starter. It is usually served with garlic, cheese, sour cream or ketchup on top (you can choose whatever ingredients you like).
“Prívarok” (Prívarok) is a typical Slovak dish, similar to soups in its consistency but much denser. It comes in many variations depending on the ingredients – pumpkins, lentils, beans, potatoes, dill, etc. It is usually consumed with a slice of bread and sausages or fried eggs might be added on top.
