LFU:online

Students deal with new themes in selected key areas. They understand and evaluate them as well as argument with regards to scientific dynamics and trends of the respective key areas. They understand the strengths and weaknesses of the different methodological approaches. They gain competences in independent formulating of questions and argumentations.

We examine how landscapes and natural resources became key arenas of ideological contestation and transformation: from land reforms and collectivisation projects to postwar reconstruction, infrastructural modernisation, and neoliberal privatisations. Drawing on case studies from diverse European regions—from industrialised heartlands to rural peripheries—we explore how competing visions of ownership and stewardship, of sustainability and extractivism shaped environmental policy, political economy and social orders. 

The main part of this seminar will take place in Prague from 8 to 12 February 2027 – together with students and professors from Charles University in Prague and Bielefeld University. It will combine lectures, seminar discussions, student presentations, source analysis and excursions. 

A few sessions, both in presence and online, will lead the way to the Prague on-site phase. The aim is, on the one hand, to establish a shared comparative framework before the intensive on-site collaboration begins. On the other hand, students will identify case studies related to the broader topic of Environment, Property and Ideology across 20th-century Europe, which they will then present in Prague. These case studies may concern land reform, collectivisation, industrialisation, infrastructure, environmental protest, governing of commons, resource extraction, conservation, inheritance, expropriation, restitution or privatisation. Students will be encouraged to choose cases connected to their own regional, disciplinary or research interests. 

After the on-site phase in Prague, we will meet for a final online session to review and summarise the results. 

Students receive fundings of EUR 79 per day plus a travel allowance, admission to museums and travel costs for excursions through the Erasmus+ programme (Blended Intensive Programme). This covers all costs except for meals.

Lectures, guided reading, presentation and discussion of student papers, excursions in and around Prague.

Active participation, reading, short exercises, presentation, written final paper.

To be announced in the course.

The main part of this seminar will take place in Prague from 8 to 12 February 2027  – together with students and professors from Charles University in Prague and Bielefeld University. Participation is limited to 15 students.