"Political thinking, political action" - this is the title of a lecture by Prof. Dr. Ute Fischer(Opens in a new tab) in the "Social Science and Politics" module of the Bachelor of Social Work(Opens in a new tab) in the Faculty of Applied Social Studies(Opens in a new tab) .
In order to concretize processes of local politics for the students, guests from local politics in Dortmund visited the course this week. The guests were three candidates for the office of Lord Mayor of Dortmund. "We hoped for and received different perspectives and insights into the local political discourse on social work from these people," says Ute Fischer. Thomas Westphal is responsible for city politics as the incumbent mayor and heads the administration, Katrin Lögering brings the parliamentary perspective as a member of the council, Alexander Kalouti is not currently responsible for local politics but is applying for it - "another perspective", says Ute Fischer.
Preparation as part of the event
In terms of content, the visit was prepared by the students, usually students in the first semester of the Bachelor of Social Work, as part of the previous sessions of the event. The students were also actively involved in the implementation of the event: Ute Fischer moderated together with Ibrohim Ibotov, 1st semester student, and her student assistant Nadine Roskamp, who is also studying Social Work in the Faculty of Applied Social Studies.
Respectful and intensive exchange
The approximately 100 students in attendance were able to contribute to a very lively, but also concentrated exchange, which proved to be very respectful throughout, even if some topics were discussed controversially and intensively.
In terms of content, the 90-minute lecture covered topics such as poverty prevention, homelessness, affordable housing, the challenges posed by demographic change and the future of social work in Dortmund.
Further information on the lecture "Political thinking, political action"
In the course, the basics of the political system of the Federal Republic of Germany (polity), political processes (politics) and selected policy content (policy) are developed along the lines of specific political decisions. The political cycle as an analytical model structures the introduction to basic concepts of political science, in particular democracy and the Basic Law, institutions and actors, political decision-making and participation. From the definition of problems to the debate on decisions and the evaluation of solutions, the framework conditions and possibilities for action in the German political system are examined.
The lecture is embedded in the module"Social Science and Politics(Opens in a new tab) "
Prof. Ute Fischer, Dr.
Wednesdays 12-13 h during the lecture period
Booking via Ilias