Within the frame of a ten day summer course in August/September  2010 at the University of Kiel, German and Israeli senior scientists as well as young academics and prospect young leaders will take an opportunity to share their works on societies in change. Rising pluralization of both societies is enforced by (among other) migration and demographic changes. Additionally, minorities and marginalized groups put forth claims for equality and recognition. How can societies handle these challenges and see the positive aspects of diversity? Current developments of Israeli and German society are to be presented  by the participants to gain mutual insight.  All participants will provide their own analysis, research results or projects for presentation and discussion.
Furthermore cultural expressions of the mentioned issues will be presented. A special workshop will  impart methods of learning democracy  and handling of diversity.
Meetings will be held mostly in Kiel, but also in Berlin and Lübeck, where several dialogues with key figures from cultural, political and media realm will be provided.
The project has been initiated by Prof. Uta Klein (Institute for Social Science, University of Kiel). In cooperation with the Faculty for Social Sciences of Tel Aviv University – especially Prof. Amal Jamal and Prof. Hanna Herzog – it will mark the start for a network between German and Israeli researchers in the field of society analysis. This is of special importance for prospective young leaders, who play an important role in future civil society, politics and science.
A subsequent conference is intended for 2011 in Tel Aviv, which will consolidate the exchange between both countries and strengthen the networking.
The course will be held in English. Young academics, especially Ph. D. students (possibly also  advanced students) and also members of non-government organizations which have worked on projects to the abovementioned questions, are welcome to apply for participation. Recruitment will start in February 2010 via public submission throughout Germany and Israel.
Contact person: Eva Keeren
E-Mail: keeren@gender.uni-kiel.de
Link:  http://www.gender.uni-kiel.de/tagungen.shtml#Sommerakademie