Politics in the studies: How students redesign democracy!

Politics in the studies: How students redesign democracy!

Nelson-Mandela-Platz 1, 49076 Osnabrück, Deutschland - On June 12th, an important event on the subject of "Political Engagement in Studies and at universities" will take place at the University of Osnabrück. This event is part of the exhibition "#Challengdemocracy-from Helmut Schmidt to the present day" and is organized by the Bundeskanzler-Helmut Schmidt Foundation (BKHS), the University Library Osnabrück and the professorship for the latest history and historical migration research. The beginning of the event is at 7 p.m. in the University Library on Westerberg, Nelson-Mandela-Platz 1. The evening is moderated by Lisa Querner from the BKHS.

The discussion is shaped by the current students Gloria Sherif and Frederik Göcke as well as by Heike Tennstädt and Heiko Schulze, faces of the student body in the 1970s. A central topic will be the perception of the sentence "politics? I have no time" among students. The event offers space for an intensive discussion about the pressure to perform and the challenges of today's students in the context of political participation.

Review and outlook on the political discussion

historian Prof. Dr. Christoph Rass emphasizes the connection between the students of the 1970s and today's, the democratization of German universities has recognized since that time and addresses the increased participation and responsibility. This reflects the political disputes at German universities and the commitment of the students in political processes. It will have to be discussed to what extent today's students use democratic spaces and whether they are more of a possibility for them to participate.

In addition to the University of Osnabrück, the Goethe University is also dedicated to the topic of political engagement with its project "Democracy and Participation". This project, which was initiated by the Academic Welcome Program for Highly Qualified Refugees (AWP), aims to include students with escape experience and international and national students in democratic processes. In view of the increasing diversity at Goethe University, it is essential to promote integration and active social participation.

program of the Goethe University

The series of events is carried out in the pilot phase in the winter semester 2024/25 and includes various formats such as lectures, workshops and excursions. Here is an overview of the themed blocks:

The design of the events is discursive to promote the active participation of the students. In the event of a successful implementation, an expansion of the project in future semesters and a possible expansion of the subject areas will be sought.

Overall, these initiatives show how important the commitment and participation of young people are in democratic processes. This commitment is not only central to the students themselves, but also for social development in Germany. Current empirical studies also illustrate that universities act as democratic socialization agencies in which students are politically oriented and volunteered. In the future, this will enable trust and responsibility to further strengthen the democratic structures.

For more information about the event at the University of Osnabrück, interested parties can Contact Christoph Rass. The conversations and workshops will promote a valuable exchange between generations and cultures and are an important step towards an active and integrative university policy.

Further information can be found on the websites of , Goethe-Universität Frankfurt and Beltz.