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.

The seminar explores the social consequences of industrial hydraulic engineering after 1918. After a start-up phase in the late 19th century, hydroelectric power provided the electricity for the reconstruction of war-ravaged Europe. Reservoirs and river power plants powered factories, industrialized agriculture, lit roads, and operated public transportation. In the decades that followed, the development promise of hydropower swept around the world, not only boosting economies but also causing ecological damage and social sacrifice. In this seminar, we take a critical look at dam construction by reviewing and comparing case studies of resettlements. What different resettlement regimes prevailed in which regions of the world? Are there parallels between democratic, authoritarian or colonial dam projects? To what extent does hydropower actually live up to its still widespread reputation as a supposedly sustainable, clean and socially acceptable source of energy?

Seminar discussions, exercises, oral presentations, case studies.

Continuous assessment, regular and active participation in discussions, participation in the workshop, oral and written contributions.

To be announced in the course. 

The seminar papers are to be designed in the fall and presented orally in the block course of 07.12.2022. Deadline for the submission of the seminar paper is 15.01.2023.