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Join our Winter School:
The Power of Algorithms?
A Sociological Perspective

Shopping on Amazon, searching with Google, communicating on Facebook – in all these cases algorithms are at work. They organize and rule the attention economy of the media.

The Winter School asks from a sociological point of view: What are algorithms actually doing? When and how do they shape the social? And how is that observable for sociology when most algorithms still are a business secret?

Join us at the University of Würzburg's Institute of Political Science and Sociology to engage both in theoretical discussions about how Big Data can be perceived sociologically and in discussions with experts from practice.

Eligibility, Fees and Application
Main Topics and Lecturers

See you in 2020!

Although the Winter School "The Power of Algorithms?" has wrapped up, IPS Würzburg will again offer a Sociological Winter School in 2020.

Please check back later in the year to learn more about next year's Winter School – or apply for our Summer School German Politics 2019!

Contact

IPS Winter School
Prof. Dr. Elke Wagner
Institute of Political Science and Sociology
Wittelsbacherplatz 1
97074 Wuerzburg
Germany

E-Mail: ipswinterschool@uni-wuerzburg.de

Please note the information about the application process.

Class of 2019

This year the Institute of Political Science and Sociology started its first Winter School. From February 7 to 15, 2019, students from all over the world were guests in Würzburg.

Class of 2019

All the information you need

Course Programme

The Winter School will offer two different levels of discussion: A more theoretical discussion with experts from sociology about how Big Data can be perceived sociologically and a discussion with experts from practice: How do journalists and politicians deal with algorithms when organizing publics? Additionally, all participants are invited to produce data on the topic of algorithms themselves. Classes will include lectures, group discussions and activities allowing students to participate and engage in course activities.

Main Topics and Lectureres

The City of Würzburg

The Winter School will take place in Würzburg, one of Germany's most beautiful cities. With a history that dates back more than 1,300 years, the city is offering a lot of famous sights, above all the UNESCO World Heritage Site Würzburg Residence. Founded in 1402, the University of Würzburg is among the oldest universities in Europe. More than 30,000 students make for a vivid city with a rich and vivid cultural, pub and club scene.

The City of Würzburg

Accommodation

All international students will be accommodated at the GHotel Würzburg to make sure you’ll be able to catch up with other students easily. The GHotel opened in November 2012 and is located just a couple of walking minutes outside the picturesque old town.

Accommodation

Preparation & Certificate

With the acceptance to the Winter School you will be granted access to a digital classroom where you can find texts for preparation and additional reading on the topics covered. By the end of the course, all successful participants will be issued a detailed Certificate of Attendance equivalent to a regular module worth 5 ECTS.

Preparation
Certificate of Attendance

How to reach Würzburg

Würzburg is outstandingly well connected to all means of transport. The main station is an ICE high-speed train node so that you can reach the city easily from all major European cities. Both Frankfurt and Nuremberg airport can be reached in less than 90 minutes by train.

How to reach Würzburg

Join Us!

If you are a current University student, graduate or undergraduate, from outside Germany you are eligible to join our Winter School. We would be happy to welcome you in Würzburg!

Eligibility, Fees and Application

Dieses Vorhaben wird aus Mitteln des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung gefördert. Die Verantwortung für den Inhalt dieser Veröffentlichung liegt beim Autor. Die Winter School wird mit Unterstützung des Human Dynamics Centre der Fakultät für Humanwissenschaften ausgerichtet.