#Democracy! Free Thematic Semester at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

Design & European Media Studies, Prof. Dr. Nico Heise

Participants in the seminar will analyse and discuss selected aspects of the Basic Law on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, with a focus on media law such as freedom of expression, freedom of the press and data protection. They will also look at other constitutional issues and discuss in lectures, group work and discussions whether there are any critical points in addition to the celebrations.

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Social Work, Prof. Dr. Friederike Lorenz-Sinai

In this seminar, we will examine historical continuities of anti-Semitism and current manifestations in the institutional contexts of post-national socialist society. Based on current studies, we will deal with experiences of anti-Semitism from Jewish perspectives, with interpretations and categorisations of institutional actors as well as with challenges and questions of political and pedagogical intervention. We will also go on an excursion to a counselling centre specialising in anti-Semitic discrimination.

Interface Design, Prof. Boris Müller

In this course we will work intensively with – and against – generative "AIs". Experimental websites will be developed that play with the results of generative "AIs" and provide a visionary outlook on the influences of "AIs".

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Design, Prof. Myriel Milicevic

The global "Nature Rights" movement is working to rethink nature as a legal space and to fight for legal rights for ecosystems. In design processes, "More-Than Human Centred Design" is becoming a common part of practice. In this course, we will expand our human-centred understanding to non-human beings with a focus on the river and its communities. Who is the river? How can we engage with the river and the non-human actors in an experimental, non-verbal, playful, sensual and interactive way? How can we open up new perspectives on the river and its communities?

Through research, experimental methods and their own observation tools, design students will investigate various river relationships and develop narratives, prototypes and interfaces. These will be exhibited on the 4^th – 5^th of July 2024 at Spreepark, Berlin. In an accompanying panel with local and international experts, the question of rivers as legal entities will be discussed.

In collaboration with Public Art Lab Berlin and Spreepark Art Space.

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Library Science, Prof. Dr. Antje Michel

The course introduces students to the information science research field of information behaviour research, its theories and concepts, research trends and methods as well as the practical relevance of information behaviour research. Following on from an overview of the information science research and practical field of information behaviour research, students develop and work on their own projects in accordance with the didactic principles of research-based learning within the framework of two key topics of their choice. A key topic for the projects in the summer semester 2024 is student information behaviour in the context of the upcoming elections in Brandenburg.

Design, Stephanie Hankey

Participants in the seminar will explore the use of communication and interface design in the complex environment characterised by political tensions, mistrust in science and institutions, and disinformation, and develop strategies to address these challenges. Throughout the course, with guest lectures and a collaboration with an environmental NGO, students will design their own projects aimed at finding solutions and countering misinformation using a variety of formats and techniques, including AI.

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InterFlex, Christian Berkes, Prof. Dr. Antje Michel

The participants of the interdisciplinary workshop explore the potential of vacant buildings in cities and rural areas in order to redesign them as social spaces by contributing their professional perspectives to the development of proposals and solutions. After an introductory block with in-depth insights from experts, the students will work in groups on site in Luckenwalde to develop prototype concepts for activating vacant shops, which will be presented and have the chance to bring about lasting positive change in the city.

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Design & Urban Future, Prof. Dr. Marian Dörk & Hendrik Lehmann

Students cooperate with data journalists from different European cities to explore innovative formats that combine data visualisation with interactive storytelling on urban topics. In the process, a critical view of the role of data in the urban context and practical skills in data preparation and visualisation will be practised.

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Design, Prof. Myriel Milicevic

When we want to change our private or social lives, we often get stuck in our habits and find it difficult to change our behaviour. Even if it would make our lives healthier, more conscious or more sustainable. Overcoming ingrained routines of comfort often seems like tilting at windmills. Imagining a different way of living together in society is a challenge for many and often leads to conflict.

In this course, we will therefore attempt the seemingly impossible, just like Don Quixote. The aim is not to develop solutions, but to create images and scenarios that invite us to question the status quo, provide pleasure and create opportunities for new routines and customs.

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Bachelor's degree programmes in Information Science, Prof. Dr Michael Scholz

This course teaches the constitutional foundations of the general right of personality and the main features of its development in the analogue and digital age. This gives students a deeper insight into a fundamental right that is particularly relevant in the context of making data accessible via information portals and (social media) communication applications.

Cultural Work, Deputy Prof. Dr. habil. Renate Ruhne

Demands for 'political correctness' are widespread today, "anchored and realised as a claim in the social mainstream" (Degele 2020), but also highly controversial in cultural policy debates. The very "use of the term is part of a debate" (ibid.), but what exactly are its contents, backgrounds and objectives? In intensive text and reading work, we will examine the term and concept of 'political correctness' in the course and take a closer look at different perspectives and contexts of the debate(s).

Communication Design, Prof. Klaus Dufke & Prof. Lisa Bucher

The seminar deals with the creation of animated and illustrative infographics on political topics, which are developed on the basis of the state elections in Brandenburg, and includes theoretical and practical elements, as well as a possible exhibition and the publication of the works.

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Design, Emilia Knabe

In this course, students work together with 12th grade students from the Schulzentrum am Stern to design a workshop kit for local political participation in order to explore and expand the pupils' opportunities to have a say. They immerse themselves in the practical realisation of co-design workshops, explore design approaches and actively participate in Potsdam's urban development.

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Design, Prof. Holger Jahn

Participants in the seminars use their design skills to work with and for initiatives that promote social cohesion, diversity, equal opportunities and environmentally conscious, science-based politics by developing concepts, campaigns and various media. In view of global risks such as disinformation and climate change, the initiative cooperates closely with democracy and climate protection organisations to achieve a broad impact in the 2024 super election year and is supported by experts from various fields.

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