Call for Applications: Interdisciplinary Summer School
Crisis Analysis: What We Can Learn from the Classical Theories of Durkheim and Bourdieu
Current crises affect nearly all aspects of human existence and all spheres of late modernity. Climate change, war, the rise of authoritarian illiberal democracies, economic crises, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Brexit are just a few examples of these societal challenges. The Émile Durkheim Research Unit: Crisis Analyses is dedicated to addressing these issues of the post-global era and focuses on the comparative-historical analysis of meta-crises.
The Émile Durkheim Research Unit invites applications for its upcoming interdisciplinary Summer School. This program aims to introduce students and early-career researchers to the scientific framework of crisis analysis, linking their personal experiences of crisis definition, perception, and resilience strategies to key theoretical perspectives.
Registration and Date
Date
Wednesday, 14. May 2025
10:00 Uhr - 17:00
Until Friday, 16. May 2025
10:00 Uhr - 17:00
Registrations by April 21, 2025 to the following email:
Kindly include a short motivation letter (approximately 150 words / 1000 characters) along with a brief CV, no longer than one page.
Goals of the Summer School:
- Gain clarity on the concept of "Crisis"
The focus will be on understanding what exactly a "crisis" represents. Comparing crisis semantics in Germany and France will provide a helpful perspective, without falling into a culturalist or constructivist trap. - Application of analytical tools to specific crisis areas
Participants will apply analytical tools to specific crisis areas such as the intellectual, political, and economic fields. They will learn how to use these tools and understand their significance. - Development of a brochure on crisis observation
Participants will independently develop a brochure focusing on crisis observation, early warning systems, and resistance and resilience strategies.
Through this experience, the question will ultimately be answered whether it would be worthwhile to develop a dedicated degree program in crisis analysis, and what components such a program should include.
The organizers are convinced that especially the French sociological tradition provides analytical tools today that go beyond our personal experience as everyday actors affected by multiple crises. In particular, the theories of Émile Durkheim and Pierre Bourdieu will be introduced. These theories not only offer valuable historical insights into crises, but also allow us to analyze current societal challenges and develop potential solutions.
The Summer School will be led by internationally renowned experts: Gisèle Sapiro (Paris), Paul Lagneau-Ymonet (Paris) and Werner Gephart (Bonn).
The Summer School follows a workshop format. Participants from different disciplines will work in teams of three to four people. Learn from excellent tutors and other students as well as young career researchers on equal terms!
Participation in the Summer School is free of charge. The number of spots is limited. Of course, successful participation in the Summer School will be certified by us with a certificate. The organizer will provide lunch and beverages for all three days.
Please submit all registrations by April 21, 2025, to the following email: edf-info@uni-bonn.de
We are looking forward to an exciting and enriching Summer School experience, full of inspiring sessions and engaging discussions. Be part of it!
Program Structure
|
May 14 |
May 15 | May 16 | |
| 10:00 AM | Coming Together |
The Lesson of Bourdieu I The Intellectual Field in Times of Crisis: Political and Cultural Crises |
Methodological Considerations on Crisis |
| 11:00 AM |
Introduction Engaging with the Classics: Key Questions to Explore |
Group Work and Presentation of Results | Group Work and Presentation of Results |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 13:30 PM | Defining Crisis: What Is a Crisis? |
The Lesson of Bourdieu II Economic and Political Crises |
Group Work and Presentation of Results: A Brief Guide to Observing Crises |
| 14:30 PM | The Lesson from Durkheim | Group Work/Presentation of Results |
Group Work and Presentation of Results: A Brief Guide to Resistance, Resilience, and Refusal |
| 16:00 PM | Group Work and Presentations of Results |
Debate An Early Warning System and the Illusion of Crisis |
Final Debate How to Create a Master's Program in "Crisis Analysis" |
Film- und Fotohinweis
As part of the Summer School, the Research Unit has photos and film recordings made which are published on the Internet, in print media and on social media channels as part of its public relations work. By participating in the Summer School, the participants agree to the photo and film recordings as well as their storage and publication.
Contact
Jure Leko
Argelanderstraße 1
53115 Bonn