Archive VSU 2011
Viadrina Summer University 2011
new: Detailed Programme and further information
Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences, in cooperation with The Frankfurt Institute for Transformation Studies (FIT)
Sunday, 19 June (Arrival) – Tuesday, 5 July 2011 (Departure)
Organiser: Prof. Dr. Gert-R. Wegmarshaus / Dr. Jan Wielgohs
Supported by DAAD with funding from the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany
Post-Socialist Cultures and Societies
The Viadrina Summer University 2011 addresses the political, social, economic and cultural changes which have taken place in the transitional societies of Central and Eastern Europe since the final collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Twenty years of Post-socialist / Post-communist transition have produced fairly mixed results: In the new EU member-states like Poland, Estonia, Hungary or Slovenia, institutions of liberal democracy have been successfully introduced. Contrary to that, in Post-Soviet countries like Russia, Ukraine, or Belarus, one finds today hybrid or authoritarian regimes. Social science research addresses these developments by raising a number of serious and intriguing questions: What are the functional problems of Post-socialist democracies? Which are the stabilizing factors for hybrid and neo-authoritarian regimes? How to explain the variety of economic order in these countries after the general shift to market economy? Which role played cultural processes of collective memory and national identity building? Why reference to history has become such a powerful tool in political discourse?
Viadrina Summer University 2011 offers a systematic and multi-dimensional analysis of the political, socio-economic and cultural problems of Central- and East-European Post-communist societies. It combines multi-disciplinary, comparative and case-study approaches. The Summer University connects discussions from political science, sociology and economics with regional studies, literature and history. The Summer University’s faculty consists of distinguished scholars with different disciplinary back-ground, being affiliated with renowned academic institutions.
While academic training and research is at the heart of the program, practical issues of Post-communist transition will be addressed by cooperating with experts from politics, business and public administration. Lectures, seminars and workshops will be supplemented by excursions to Berlin, Potsdam, Eisenhüttenstadt and Dresden, offering round-tables, walks and talks for getting first-hand insight into the political, economic and cultural life of the regions of Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony. And there will be cultural and recreational activities like late-night movie-screening and fire-side barbeque on the banks of the Oder-river connecting Germany and Poland.
For more detailed information about the content please follow this link.
The Viadrina
The European University Viadrina was founded in 1991, continuing the distinguished tradition of the first State University of Brandenburg (Alma Mater Viadrina, 1506-1811). Due to its unique geography and history the Viadrina plays an important role as a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe. The University’s objective is to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on European and global issues, and to establish academic relationships with many different countries and regions. Viadrina University offers many opportunities for studying together with fellow-students from Poland and other European nations, and from countries all over the world. Small classes, modern facilities and a renowned professorial body provide a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students of economics, law, the social sciences and humanities.
Frankfurt (Oder)
Frankfurt (Oder) is situated in the very heart of Europe on the river Oder which forms the border with neighbouring Poland. The city is well connected with Berlin, the German Capital; the ride on commuter trains takes just one hour. Frankfurt (Oder) has a population of approximately 63,500. The famous poet Heinrich von Kleist was born in Frankfurt (Oder) in 1777, and he was a student of the town’s university. Frankfurt paid tribute to her famous son by dedicating numerous buildings and parks to him (e.g. Kleist Museum, Kleist Forum and Kleistpark). Historical buildings, such as the Town Hall and St. Mary’s church, display Frankfurt’s past as a powerful and rich trading town, member of the Hanseatic League. The lively Polish neighboring town of Słubice is within ten minutes walking distance from the university. Frankfurt is a green town beautifully located by the river with a promenade, parks and an attractive surrounding countryside. There are renowned cultural venues such as the Kleist Forum, a cabaret, the State Philharmonic Orchestra, sports facilities and lively student bars and clubs.
Who can participate?
Viadrina Summer University welcomes advanced students and young researchers from the social sciences, economics, humanities and law. Applications from candidates who already hold a first degree and/or have specialized in issues related to the program will receive preferential treatment. Full-time attendance of the Summer University is obligatory for all participants. Students are expected to contribute actively to the Summer University by making short presentations and submitting research essays. Proficiency in English is required as all parts of the program will be taught in English.
Teaching and Syllabus
The Summer University combines lectures, small seminar discussions, student presentations, practical training and case studies. Details on the course program, reading re-quirements and syllabus are available in advance on the Summer University’s website.
Certificate
The Viadrina Summer University Certificate requires active participation in one core course, two seminars, one work-shop, three lectures and one excursion. Participants who wish to transfer their credit points to their home universities are expected to deliver a research paper and to make an in-class oral presentation. Students are entitled to earn up to 18 ECTS points.
Course fees and fellowships
The registration fee of 250 Euros includes tuition, course materials and other costs related to the course program. The Summer University offers 25 fellowships provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Foreign Office for foreign participants. Fellowships cover tuition, accommodation, travelling costs and a lump sum of 200 Euro towards meals and living costs. Travelling costs will be reimbursed according to the regulations of the DAAD. Fellowship applications must be submitted together with the application form for Viadrina Summer University.
The Summer University is open to a limited number of regular Viadrina students who will not have to pay the regis-tration fee.
Accommodation
Participants are invited to stay in modern student apart-ments with single rooms and modern facilities in Słubice, Poland. The price of a single room per person for 16 nights will be around 120 Euro.
Grocery stores, supermarkets and restaurants are all to be found within walking distance. There are several university canteens open to students of the Viadrina Summer University.
Application
Deadline for applications is 31st January 2011 (arrival at Viadrina University!).
Please send us:
- Application form (doc) Application form (pdf)
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS 6.5 - 7.5 or UNIcert III)
(A proof of English language proficiency equal to the level C1 of the Common European Framework for Languages is obligatory. We also accept if you have studied/taught at a university, where the full academic program is in English!) - Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Motivation (one page)
- Letter of Recommendation (university professor or supervisor)
All applications have to be made in English and to be send by ordinary mail. Unfortunatly we can not accept applications sent by e-mail.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Mrs Kathrin Goeritz: <vsu@euv-frankfurt-o.de>. Decisions of acceptance will be announced by 28th February 2011 by e-mail.
Contact:
European University Viadrina
Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences
Prof. Dr. Gert-Ruediger Wegmarshaus
(Secretary: Mrs Kathrin Goeritz)
Postbox 17 86
15207 Frankfurt (Oder)
Germany
Phone: +49 335 5534-2314
Mail: vsu@euv-frankfurt-o.de