The strategic spread of misinformation and the fostering of mistrust are increasingly being used as weapons and threaten stability in Europe. In the Summerschool “Psychological Warfare: Controlling the Public”, participants will deal with communication in and about the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine. Tactical communication, psychological influence, propaganda and manipulation attempts will be discussed and evaluated. The participants learn about the aims and mechanisms of psychological warfare, with a particular focus on the strategic use of social media in modern warfare. They will then explore the political consequences and the consequences for mental health of the population. Subsequently, the participants will tackle normative questions such as the general legitimacy of psychological influence. Finally, solutions are discussed and the students talk about individual and collective protective measures.
In addition to the academic discussion, the focus is also on the exchange with actors from practice. During the programme, participants will interactively analyse case studies of psychological warfare and apply their new knowledge. The overarching aim of the summer school is to enable students to comprehensively understand and detect the mechanisms of psychological influence in order to protect themselves and their societies from it in the future.
When? 3 - 7 June 2024
Where? Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
Course language: English; ECTS: 3
The interdisciplinary programme is designed for students of social sciences including political science, psychology, communication science, journalism, sociology or educational science. The summer school addresses students from Ukrainian universities as well as students of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz (Germany).
The participation fee for all participants is €30. The funds generated by the participation fee will be used for social activities. For every Ukrainian student travel expenses will be covered and an accommodation will be provided at no additional cost. In case the summer school cannot take place on site due to an insecure situation relating to the war in Ukraine, the event will take place online. In this case, the participation fee will be reimbursed. The participation fee will be due after successful registration. You will then receive further information regarding the payment method.
All participants from Ukrainian Universities will be accomodated in a modern Hotel near the Rhine River approximately 15 Minutes away from Campus by public transport (Bus). Each hotel room will feature 2 bunk beds for a total of 4 beds per room. There will only be same-gender rooms and no mixed gender rooms. If you wish to know more details about the accomodation or have concerns please e-mail us.
Breakfast in the Hotel will be included. You will only need to cover your expenses for lunch and supper. We suggest having lunch at the university's cafeterias / mensas.
Regular JGU-students: Please apply via Jogustine (more information)
Students from Ukrainian Universities: The registration phase for students from Ukraine is closed.
Thank you for the numerous registrations.
If you have any questions concerning the Summer School or the application process, please send an e-mail to sowiso@uni-mainz.de
Preliminary programme:
| Schedule | Social activities |
| Day 1:Overall introduction to Psychological Warfare | Welcome event |
| Day 2: Aims and Mechanisms | |
| Day 3: Consequences and normative questions | |
| Day 4: Solutions and protection strategies | Joint dinner / Farewell event |
| Day 5: Presentation of group work & Wrap-up | Sightseeing tour |
Coordinators:
Dr. Barbara Müller (SoWi?So! / JGU)
Dr. Olesia Zvezdova (Department of International Relations and Foreign policy, Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, Ukraine)
About us:
This summer school is organized by the SoWi?So! department of the Faculty for Social Sciences, Media and Sports of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz (JGU). JGU is one of the largest Universities in Germany with about 30000 students. At SoWi?So! we aim to offer courses to connect JGU students with international students in an interdisciplinary setting enveloping all disciplinces of our faculty.
