What motivates people to fight and die? What constitutes power in society? Why and under what conditions do different groups resort to violence against each other?

This course invites a reflection on these fundamental questions by considering multidisciplinary debates on social identities. 

It familiarizes students with different theoretical discussions on the origins and sources of identities (self, group, society, State, and combinations), their reproduction, maintenance, and challengers; as well as the different understandings of what constitutes power (material, institutional and symbolic/ideational) and its consequences (coercion and/or consensus).

Alongside the theoretical discussions, current empirical cases will be used to critically assess and debate the significance of social identities in interest formation and power struggles leading to conflict.

This course’s objective is to expose students to a heterogeneous discussion of identity, so they can challenge deterministic and essentialist views, and establish its intersection with power relations and war in our times. While it does not privilege an in-depth approach to a single topic, it serves as an entry point, providing crucial building blocks to account not only for the causes of conflict, but also the pillars for peace – in our globalized, interconnected, yet highly fragmented, world.

Schedule
The courses are grouped into different time tracks.
Your course will take place in Track B.

Cultural activities
You are welcome to join our cultural program with an excellent selection of excursions, sports activities, and social gatherings. It is the perfect setting for getting to know each other and for experiencing the varous facets of Berlin. There are no additional costs for participation in the activities.

Activities and tours we offer regularly: Federal Chancellery, German Parliament, House of Representatives, Topography of Terror, Political Archive, Museum Island, Kreuzberg Tour, Daytrip to Potsdam, Exhibitions…

• You will receive a total of 45 contact hours (one contact hour equals 45 minutes; 11 contact hours per week).
• The lessons are held three times a week.
• Lessons will comprise lectures, group work, discussion sessions, excursions.

Undergraduate students of all subjects with an interest in German social sciences, politics, economy, and history.

This course is taught in English, including readings in English. For the understanding of the texts and the discussions in class a language level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is required.

The minimum age requirement is 18 years.

Dr. Isabella Franchini is a Lecturer at the Chair of War Studies at the University of Potsdam. She received her PhD with highest distinction from the Department of Political Science of the National University of Singapore and the Department of War Studies at King’s College London. Her research interests include political and international relations theory, international conflict, national identities, Latin America, and Linguistics. She is a passionate teacher, a cosmopolitan person, and an animal lover, currently living in Berlin with her husband and their two cats.