HISTORIES OF GLOBAL CAPITALISM" - with Prof. Dr. Sven Beckert (Harvard University)

APPLICATION DEADLINE
15th June 2017

THE SCHOLAR
Sven Beckert is Laird Bell Professor of History in the Department of History as well as co-chair of the Program on the Study of Capitalism at Harvard University. His main focus lies on the history of the United States in the nineteenth Century, with a particular emphasis on the history of capitalism, including its economic, social, political and transnational dimensions. The combined examination of these dimensions is also at the heart of the monograph he is best known for: Empire of Cotton: A Global History (2014). Other pertinent publications include Slavery’s Capitalism: A New History of American Economic Development (2016), and The American Bourgeoisie: Distinction and Identity in the Nineteenth Century (2010).

THE TOPIC
During the past few years, few topics have animated the chattering classes more than capitalism. In the wake of the global economic crisis, questions about the nature, past and viability of capitalism suddenly appeared on evening talk shows and in newspapers throughout the world, crossing most political boundaries. Partly in response to the contemporary debates, historians, ever attuned to the world in which they live, have rediscovered the study of the history of capitalism. In their work, they have insisted on the long-term trajectory of capitalism, have emphasized the great variety of capitalism both over time and in space, have focused on capitalism’s global connections, and, perhaps most insistently, have emphasized the political, social and cultural embeddedness of economic change. Their work has created a powerful challenge to some of the naturalizing tenets that are frequently found in the discipline of economics.

In this Lucerne Master Class we will explore some of these discussions, and try to come to terms with what this new history of capitalism is all about. Students’ own work will be crucial to our discussions, as are prominent texts from within what has become one of the most dynamic fields in modern historical research.

PARTICIPANTS
The Master Class addresses doctoral students from disciplines such as History, Philosophy, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Political Science, Social Anthropology, Economics and Global Studies. Applications from international and EU doctoral students as well as doctoral students from Switzerland are welcome.

COSTS
Tuition fee: 350 CHF

The organizing body of the Master Class, the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSL) at the University of Lucerne, will cover catering and accommodation expenses. We will try to cover travel expenses as well, however, this depends on the country of origin. For details please send an email to the us (contact Email at the end of the page). If applicants can muster support from their respective home institution, this is welcome.

APPLICATION
Please provide a short statement of motivation (no more than one page), a CV and a short description (no more than one page) of your current dissertation project. Postdocs may be admitted on the basis of individual decision.

WHAT FORMER PARTICIPANTS SAY
“The Lucerne Master Class is a unique experience for PhD students. It has helped me a lot both in terms of motivation and content of my dissertation. I would definitely do it again.” (Daniel Bader, Heidelberg University)

“The Master Class was a one-time opportunity to discuss the work of an outstanding scholar and to get to know other PhD students working on related issues.” (Sebastian Möller, University of Bremen)

“I believe that spending this week with the Master will have an impact on the rest of my academic career.” (Sandra Engelbrecht, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin)
Programm

The class will begin on the 9th of October at 1.00 pm and end on the 13th of October at 1.00 pm.
The daily schedule will be from 9.00 am - 12.30 pm and from 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm and on one evening (lecture & dinner) from 6.00 - 9.00 pm. There will be an afternoon for recreation in the Lucerne area. Participants will discuss Sven Beckert’s recent work but also present and discuss their own projects.

CONTACT
christina.cavedon@unilu.ch