The international research center IGK Work and Human Lifecycle in Global History (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) and the History Workshop of the Witwatersrand University (Johannesburg) will hold a Summer Academy exploring the historical and contemporary meanings of work in relation to generation/ life course in different socio-economic and cultural contexts. The Academy is open for doctoral students working in the field of work/labour from historical and other social sciences’ perspectives and will be held at the Valley Lodge at Magaliesburg near Johannesburg between December 1 and December 8, 2012.

The need for an intensive engagement with these issues arises from a fundamental redefinition of work and generation/ life course that has emerged along with rapid globalisation. The Summer Academy shall focus methodologically on historical perspectives that investigate global interconnections and entanglements and/or employ methodologies of comparison. The critical reflection of general comparative notions such as ‘work and labour,’ ‘generation,’ ‘life course,’ ‘intergenerational changes’ and ‘labour process’ should be part of the individual projects presented at the Summer Academy.

The following aspects, among others, should be central to the projects and discussions:
- work change within generations/ one’s life
- child labour/children’s work
- old age labour
- ideas of a ‘normal’ working life/ career
- households
- formal vs. informal work
- unemployment, non-work
- work and welfare
- work and retirement
- training, apprenticeship, long life learning
- work and demography

Moreover, the Summer Academy will also provide space for an in depth discussion of methodological issues. The Summer Academy will be led by renowned historians and social scientists from around the world. Selected participants will present their projects (40 minutes) and comment on a project of a peer (20 minutes). Moreover it is obligatory that all participants hand in an essay on specific topics related to the summer school’s theme prior to the event.

Application
To participate in the Summer Academy research scholars at the doctoral level need to apply with a brief outline of their current project (max. 3 pages) and a two pages essay on how their work relates to the themes of the Summer Academy and how they can contribute to it. These should be submitted electronically along with their CV and the names of two referees. Proposed projects should assume a historical perspective and will be particularly pertinent if they take account of connections beyond the nation state and attempt to reflect upon the possibilities of connecting regional and systematic approaches. This does not exclude carefully contextualized case studies. Travel and lodging costs of the selected participants will be covered by the organisers of the Summer Academy.

We welcome relevant applications from all parts of the globe. Candidates from Africa are particularly encouraged to apply.

Please use the electronic form on our website: http://rework.hu-berlin.de; we can ONLY accept electronically submitted applications!

The deadline for applications is June 15, 2012.

Please send your application to:
Professor Andreas Eckert
IGK Work and Human Lifecycle in Global History
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
rework-application@asa.hu-berlin.de