In the seminar „Who cares?! Comparative perspectives on care, gender and migration”, we examine the ever-more relevant topic of transnational care work and its consequences for global inequalities as well as for individual lives. We focus specifically on the connection of theory and practice. We aim to give voice to a variety of perspectives and make sense of those using theoretical insights from sociological, gender, social policy and migration studies. The literature and activities of this course will take us to realities of people across the world and draw linkages between multiple actors and spheres. We also ask what a “care revolution” could look like and how some of the inequalities involved in transnational care work could be addressed. This general studies seminar is recommended for advanced B.A. students and M.A. students. We will use a variety of online tools to create an open, inspiring, and communicative learning environment.

Objectives: Multivariate Research Methods course provides an introduction to the logic of statistical control and multivariate statistical models, as they are commonly applied in the social science disciplines. The course emphasizes the understanding of statistical concepts and usage of statistics rather than mathematical formulas. The goals are: to enhance the students’ awareness of various methods in design and analysis of various social science problems; to introduce students to different methods and techniques for analyzing quantitative data; to develop the skills necessary to critically evaluate published work in social sciences; to develop students’ skills in modelling and carrying out their own research; to learn how to interpret results of statistical analyses; to guide and prepare students for more advanced courses in statistical methods.

Participants: This course is designed for advanced BA-students who have command of the basic social science methodology and statistics, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as an introductory methods course at the Masters' level. Interested participants from various social science programs and disciplines are welcome.

Language of instruction is English. Assignments and exam: English or German.

Grading: Students are expected to attend and actively participate in the class. There are several grading schemes and options:
General Studies 3 CP (pass/fail) or 6 CP (graded or pass/fail).

Suggested readings: Agresti, Alan and Barbara Finley (various editions): „Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences,” Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Additional readings will be provided in class.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2015 are valid until 2030. The world community wants a humane life for all people. Natural resources shall be protected, poverty and hunger in all is forms should be combated. Health, high-quality education, and equality shall be promoted. What do those goals mean on the level of work and organisation? In the micro-political climate of organisations it should be asked how acting socially sustainable does look like. This becomes apparent in light of specific issues; with the pandemic-induced home office with digitally mitigated communication and cooperation, participation becomes a key question: How is participation in processes concerning specific employees possible when those are not on the premises but in their home office? Approaches of participation build specifically on effects promoted by dialogue and action in groups: the functions of holding and containment in groups, by group cohesion and –culture, va group-related thinking and decision-making. The goal of participation are based on humanistic insights, it answers to basic human needs. Participatory approaches are based on effects in groups, such as group cohesion and –culture, group thinking and decision making. How well does participation go with digitally mediated communication at work?
Participants in this seminar analyse topics of interest in this framework: In the start workshop, frames are set content-wise and methodological, also teams are founded. In five workshops students work on specific contents: 1 Ethic, humanistic, and health related foundations; 2 Resonance, world relation and health (Rosa, Rahm et al.); 3 Living learning in groups by theme-centered interaction (Cohn, Meyerhuber); 4 Basics of organisational development (Lewin; French & Bell); 5 Digital divide issues (van Dijk 2006). Digital tools promising participation will be analysed, as well as the new language emerging during the digital push. Students conduct one interview each with a practitioner, and include results in their workshop. An overall closing workshop helps to evaluate the insights gained.
Students work in a team of four on a topic. They create an adult education workshop and write a professional documentary. In all steps, the lecturer gives support, advice, and feedback. An accompanying writing-workshop of 30 minutes follows after each workshop.
All seminars of the general studies series „Sociology meets psychology: acting socially in organisations“ can be studied singular or as a set. Recommended for students in their 3rd semester, open for students from their 1st semester on, open for students from other faculties (BA, MA) and ERASMUS. As an intense training seminar, the group is limited to 19 participants (for chance of presence parts).
2 SWS: Fortnightly, starting in the 2nd week of the term, 3 full hours (s.t.!), Tuesdays from 5p.m-8p.m.. Apply reliable via Stud.IP; participation only with mandatory use of a camera for digital parts. All materials and communication via Stud.IP.
Recommended sources
Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, easy explanation by BRD government: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/issues/sustainability
Meyerhuber, Sylke 2019. Theme-Centered Interaction for Educating Future Leaders Applied Social Psychology for Teaching Academics to Act Socially Sustainably in Organisations. In S. Meyerhuber, H. Reiser, M. Scharer (Eds.), Theme-centered Interaction in Higher Education. London, New York: Springer Nature, 3-56.
Performance requirements / ECTS /CP
Preparation of an interactive workshop on a specified topic, including a field exploration and a written documentary in small teams of students (6 ECTS/CP).