By bringing the counterexamples from France we will look closer what was specific about the socialist cities and what was merely a part of the post-war urbanism.

Particular attention will be paid to urban planning and architecture, housing as well as the legacy of the socialist city (“post-socialist city”). Distinguished scholars from Germany, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, and Ukraine will share their expertise and different approaches the topic.

Besides analysing socialist cities in a seminar format, this summer school invites students to participate in guided walks, in order to explore different dimensions of a socialist city (urban planning, heritage preservation and dictatorship) in the living spaces of (former) East Berlin.

The summer school’s goal is to support young scholars and help them establish their own academic networks. There will be an opportunity for some students to present their own projects and receive feedback.

We look forward to seeing you in August!

The summer school will be conducted in English at the Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space (IRS) in Erkner near Berlin. It is organized by the Research Area Contemporary History and Archive of the Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space (IRS), with the financial support from the Federal Minister of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF) and the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Eastern Germany.

Application

- Deadline for application: 01.04.2022.
- M.A. students and PhD students in their initial stage
- Disciplinary backgrounds: History, Memory Studies, Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Urban Studies, Geography, Architecture and Urban Planning, Cultural Studies, broader Humanities and Social Sciences
- The applicants should provide a one-page CV and a letter of motivation (max. 500 words), that includes information on the applicant’s scholarly background, interests, and career goals
- Optionally, please send abstract (max. 300 words) of a proposed presentation
- Fees: 75 euros, which covers accommodation (in Berlin), and board (welcome dinner, breakfasts and lunches at the IRS). Cost of travel and lunch on 4.08 is not covered
- There is a limited number of bursaries available to candidates: three students will be invited to participate free of charge and additionally, one student will receive a refund for the travel expenses (up to 250,00 EUR). Please mention in the motivation letter why you would need such a support
- Application should be submitted as one PDF file until 01.04.2022 to the e-mail-address: summerschool2022@leibniz-irs.de
- Please note that all participants have to be either fully vaccinated, have a recovered status or have a daily COVID-test (“3G-Rule”). This rule might change depending on the future developments and decisions of the authorities.