This course addresses PhD candidates who wish to enhance their knowledge of collective identities and identity politics as well as their competence in comparative methods. We include perspectives from various disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. Empirically, our focus is directed towards the Nordic countries and east central Europe, including the Baltic Sea region. You are eligible to apply for the course if you are enrolled as a PhD candidate at your home university and have a good command of spoken and written English.
Collective identities such as national, ethnic and religious affiliations, lifestyles, or gender and sexual orientation are increasingly politicized. This calls for historical and contemporary analyses of the social processes and political actions that shape and disrupt social cohesion. The ReNEW Summer University offers comparative tools for making sense of how the transformations of the past decades have affected populations and identity construction in the Nordic region and east central Europe. Starting in the Polish city of Gdańsk, moving by ferry across the Baltic Sea, and concluding in the Swedish capital of Stockholm, shifts of perspective and transnational reflection are uniquely incorporated in the course design.
Internationally renowned experts from disciplines such as history, political science, and others will explain major trends and problems, demonstrating the application of comparative methods. The course consists of a rich variety of lectures, seminars, and excursions. It requires an active participation from the students, includes the discussion of draft papers by the participants, and the submission of a learning diary after the course meetings.