From John Mollenkopf in the Center for Urban Research:

Applications are solicited for ten Graduate Center students to participate in a two-week intensive seminar in Berlin, Germany, exploring urban change in Europe, with a focus on the role of neighborhoods in the processes of gentrification, inclusion/exclusion, diversity, and immigrant integration as well as the impact of various urban policies directed at these issues.

Program is from Sunday June 12 (depart NYC the previous evening) through Saturday, June 25, 2011.

Hosted by Professor Talja Blokland, Chair of Urban and Regional Sociology at Humboldt’s Social Science Faculty, the seminar is conducted in English. It will feature lectures from outstanding social scientists from Humboldt and other Berlin universities, collaborative development of research designs with local doctoral students, and site visits to key Berlin locations where these processes may be observed. HU students, including former exchange students at the GC, will help orient you to Berlin and assist your research. A key goal of the seminar will be to work in a bi-national group to formulate a comparative research question and take the initial steps to explore its feasibility.

The program will include background on Berlin city politics, patterns of social exclusion in Berlin and New York, the transformation of Berlin in the wake of unification, urban policy in Germany, and the situation of Turkish and other immigrant groups. While the emphasis will be on group collaboration and discussion, we will also visit gentrifying and immigrant neighborhoods, former socialist model housing developments, and suburban Potsdam.

This is a remarkable opportunity to learn more about one of Europe’s most interesting cities. In at least one instance, participating in this exchange has led to a highly successful dissertation project.

The group will hold several preparatory meetings to discuss background readings on Berlin and comparative urban research, formulate preliminary research projects, and get to know one another.

Cost: Participants will pay for their own transatlantic transportation costs and local meals. The exchange program covers the costs of instruction, housing, health insurance, and local excursions. Housing will be arranged in a local hostel with shared rooms and other facilities.

To apply: Send an email by Friday, March 4, to Professor John Mollenkopf. In your application, please include:

  • Your name, home address, telephone, email address
  • Your doctoral program and level
  • Your dissertation topic or research interests
  • A short statement about why you would like to participate in the Berlin program

Successful applicants will be notified promptly to confirm attendance and arrange for a preparatory meeting.