Comparing Social Changes in Times of War and Peace

In this workshop, we will examine social changes during war and peace times and how they are reflected on in different types of media. Media is of prime importance to get information about people living at different places, under different conditions or at different times than we do. Field post from World War I is as important as tweets from Syria are in order to read about the thoughts of those people who are at war. What do they wish for? What do their circumstances look like? Which policies or social rules encourage them to fulfil their dreams? Which restrictions do they face?

Likewise, contemporary documents provide information about life in times of peace. For instance, about changes in gender politics and how the role of women which has changed significantly over time. In order to contrast our findings, we will visit the museum of communication in Berlin (requested) and do our own research on field post. Afterwards we will develop a stage performance that draws lines between gender, war, peace and everyday life in 1918 and 2018. The performance will be presented at the last conference day. Basic computer skills (especially related to social media) is required. Previous experience in theater plays is advantageous but not a must.

This workshop is provided by

The peer-education network Young European Professionals (YEPs) offers workshops referring to the European Union for young people. Its members discuss topics such as immigration, European institutions and European Climate Goals with pupils in schools or in youth organisations. In doing so, they use activating methods like simulations or role plays.

Teamer

CLARISSA BENNING

Germany

• Studies German Language, Literature and Culture at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Works for Max Weber Foundation – German Humanities Institutes Abroad
• Member of the Peer Education network Young European Professionals

LAURA GAISSMAIER

Germany

• Studies International Relations and Economics at the University of Erfurt
• Did a European Voluntary Service at Fairtrade Lëtzebuerg, the Luxembourg association for the promotion of fair trade
• Works for children’s channel of ARD and ZDF (KiKA)