Ansicht nach Raum FH 311

Dozierender:

Sören Salomo

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation 

Dozierender:

Sören Salomo

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation 

Dozierender:

Sören Salomo

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation 

Dozierender:

Sören Salomo

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation 

The ‘thousand year Reich’ that Hitler promised when he became Chancellor of Germany in January 1933 lasted but 12 years. During this time, however, Hitler and his Nazi Party came to dominate European and even world affairs, terrorizing vast numbers of Germans, launching a devastating war, and orchestrating the murder of approximately six million Jews and many more millions of other “undesirable” minorities. Yet Hitler and the Nazi Party gained the active support and involvement of most Germans and could only be destroyed by joint effort of outside forces.

This course offers an overview of the history of National Socialism, focussing on two key elements of Nazi power: terror (against all proclaimed enemies of “the people”) and seduction (of all who belonged to the “community of the people”)

The course will be entirely taught in English. International students are very much welcomed. Dates of excursions to historical sites related to the seminar topic will be discussed in class.

Readings: Richard Evans, The Coming of the Third Reich, London 2003; Richard Evans, The Third Reich in Power, London 2005; The Third Reich at War, London 2008; Ian Kershaw, From Hell and Back: Europe, 1914-1949, London 2015; Mark Mazower, Hitler's Empire: How the Nazis Ruled Europe, New York/Toronto, 2008.

Seminar: Die soziale Konstruktion von Large Language Models (LLMs)

WS 2025/26, Do 16-18, FH 311, Modul (Vertiefung) Technik und Gesellschaft, ISIS-PW: Weber

Veranstaltungskommentar:

Die Auffassung, dass Technik sozial konstruiert ist, beruht auf der Beobachtung, dass technische Artefakte mit Blick auf bestimmte Probleme sozialer Akteure entwickelt werden und dass sie sich gesellschaftlich durchsetzen, wenn genügend soziale Akteure sie dann auch tatsächlich als Lösungen hinreichend relevanter Probleme wahrnehmen. Die soziale Konstruktion von Technik zu analysieren heißt dementsprechend zum einen zu untersuchen, für welche Probleme Technikentwickler technische Funktionalitäten entwickeln, welche Interessen und Bedürfnisse zukünftiger Nutzer:innen sie dabei antizipieren und welche eigenen Interessen und stillschweigenden Vorannahmen sie in das Design einfließen lassen. Zum anderen geht es darum, wie diese Problemlösungsvorschläge von den zukünftigen Nutzer:innen wahrgenommen werden und wie die Aushandlung der Interessen und Vorstellungen aller involvierten Akteure schließlich dazu führt, dass technische Artefakte sich gesellschaftlich durchsetzen oder eben auch nicht. Diese Art und Weise , die soziale Konstruktion von Technik zu entwickeln stößt bei Large Language Models und generativer KI insgesamt an Grenzen. Denn die Funktionalitäten dieser Systeme werden nicht mehr von Entwicklern designt, sondern von den KI-Modellen auf der Grundlage von Trainings-Daten gelernt. Das Seminar befasst sich mit der Frage, in welcher Weise man dennoch von einer sozialen Konstruktion von LLMs sprechen kann und wie man sie analysieren kann.

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation 

Veranstaltungstitel:

Wie sieht der Stadtverkehr der Zukunft aus?

Veranstaltungsbeschreibung:

Die Welt ändert sich und dieser Wandel ist in den Städten wie mit einem Brennglas zu beobachten. Besonders deutlich zeigt sich dies im Verkehr. Die ehemals starke Dominanz des Autos beginnt zu schwinden, die Füße, das Fahrrad und die Sharing-Angebote gewinnen mehr an Bedeutung. Aber wie kann eine Stadt die bauliche Fixierung auf das Auto zurückschrauben? Wie kann der öffentliche Raum neu belebt werden und wie kann die Stadt vitaler und resilienter werden? Im Seminar soll die Vergangenheit, aber auch die Zukunft des städtischen Verkehrs darauf hin analysiert werden, welche Möglichkeiten sich bieten, was getan werden könnte und welche technischen Optionen verfügbar sind.

Das Seminar findet mit vier einführenden Sitzungen sowie einer Blockveranstaltung statt.

Vorlesungszeitraum:

13. Oktober – 14. Februar 2025

Veranstaltungstermine:

Freitags, 10:00 - 12:00 Uhr

Veranstaltungsort:

FH 311 oder per Zoom: https://wzb-eu.zoom.us/j/82037007810

Meeting-ID: 820 3700 7810

Benotung Seminar (6 ECTS)

Voraussetzungen: regelmäßige Teilnahme, wissenschaftliche Ausarbeitung (Referat) und Präsentation

1. Seminar: 17.10.2025

Inhalt: Einführung Andreas Knie (per Zoom)

2. Seminar: 07.11.2025

Inhalt: Vorstellungsrunde und Einführung ins Thema (per Zoom)

3. Seminar 05.12.2025

Inhalt: Verteilung und Beschreibung der Themen / Fragen klären (FH 311)

4. Seminar 30.01.2026

Inhalt: Verteilung und Beschreibung der Themen / Fragen klären (FH 311)

Blockseminar 06.02.2026 10:00 – 17:00 Uhr (in Präsenz am WZB oder FH 311)

Vorstellung Präsentationen und Diskussion / alternativ: Klausur

(ggf. Blockseminar 07.02.2026 10:00 – 14:00 Uhr (in Präsenz am WZB oder FH 311)

Vorstellung Präsentationen und Diskussion / alternativ: Klausur