1

About the Conference

This year a unique international conference will be held on the 20th and 21st of November at the banks of Lake Constance. Professors and students teaching or studying interdisciplinary subjects combining disciplines like Philosophy, Sociology, Political Science and Economics from all over Europe will attend a two-day conference at Zeppelin University in Friedrichshafen to discuss the topic of convergence. Convergence – in Latin “to incline towards each other” – stands for a broad academic debate that is firmly embedded in the respective disciplines. We will try to bring these different perspectives together and foster a fruitful exchange, hopefully raising a lot of interesting questions and excite riveting debates. Can a convergence of values and norms be observed on a global scale? Is there a convergence in living standards and a divergence through rising inequality? East and west, developing and developed countries – are these ceasing categories in a converging world?

Besides the academic discourse, there will be a focus on a personal and program related exchange. How are the different programs structured, what is their approach towards academic disciplines? Can a convergence or divergence be observed between the different academic perspectives of the programs? Which actual careers are alumni of PPE/SPE programs pursuing and what kind of graduate programs are suitable after the multior interdisciplinary bachelor’s programs?
The conference’s conception will be carried out according to the core idea(l) of the SPE/PPE academic programs: not hesitating to ask grand questions in a complex and interdependent world where overarching and easy answers are rarely given! We are convinced that the conference and this concept will result in two days of fruitful exchange, lively debates and an enriching time out from academic daily routine.

| Registration fee: 30 Euro (students), 50 Euro (academics)
| Students will be accommodated with other students
| Academics are solely responsible for their accomodation. With pleasure we can give you some necessary information and support
| Further information on the workshops will follow soon
| If you need any information about getting here follow that Link (the conference will be held at the ZF Campus)

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Friedrichshafen at Zeppelin University!

2

Target Groups and Goals

The conference is designated for both students and academic personnel. Combining these two perspectives we hope to create a stimulating environment for discussions as well as opportunities for personal exchange.

For academics, the conference offers the opportunity to exchange their views about the organization and design of teaching and research in interdisciplinary programs like SPE, PPE and comparable programs. They can get in touch with interested and dedicated students from all over Europe and present their research linked to the conference’s main topic. Besides that, academics will be offered the possibility to exchange and discuss their views and research with their peers and distinguished experts from other disciplines, profiting from an extra program for academics.

Our aim for students is to bring together undergraduates, graduates and alumni all over Europe, offering new perspectives and an enriching atmosphere of academic as well as personal exchange. Therefore the conference aims to facilitate an international network of interdisciplinary study programs, exchange ideas on interdisciplinary thinking and on applying this non-disciplined mindset on pressing problems in the world. Related to the conference’s main topic, there will be a platform for students to present and discuss their own research. Additionally, as a student you have the chance to get an insight into what alumni do and what opportunities and future perspectives you have with a degree from an interdisciplinary study program.

3

Format

Our goal is to provide a unique experience for all participants. There will be a diverse schedule of events, including small workshops with wellknown and distinguished academics, discussion rounds on the composition of interdisciplinary study programs, on interdisciplinarity in teaching and student as well as professional research, gripping lectures on today’s research on convergence and a student fair to exchange perspectives on the future possibilites that an interdisciplinary study path offers. Most importantly, there will be enough time and space to get in contact with interesting students and academics from all over Europe, to continue the discussions on the questions raised in workshops or lectures enjoying the beautiful surroundings and atmosphere of Lake Constance with the gaze on the verging Alps.

4

Location

The conference will take place at the newly built ZF-Campus of Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen, Germany - an ideal setting for large conferences of all kinds. The spacious and light-flooded seminar rooms provide a great working atmosphere and latest technological equipment. Our very own cafeteria and café offer a comfortable setting for networking and exchange with other participants.

5

Call for Papers

To give the participating students the chance to submit their own work and have an academic discussion about it we are asking the participants to turn in their seminar papers, bachelor and master theses to research projects & proposals, which deal with the phenomena of Convergence in its many facets. That is why we dedicated an entire session at the conference to the research of students of interdisciplinary study paths. We want to give students, young scholars and graduates studying for a doctorate the possibility to present their work at the conference and explain their approach, discuss and maybe improve it. We are excited reading your papers!

6

Team Members

Team

Tobias Rochlitz

Content and Conception / Acquisition

Team

Jonas Gathen

Content and Conception

Team

Konstantin Veit

Content and Conception

Team

Viktoria Kuwarzik

Event Planning

Team

Sonja Wilhelm

Acquisition

Team

Cornelius Schulken

Acquisition

Team

Jan Morgenstern

Content and Conception

Team

Theresa Wiedmann

Project Leadership

Team

Alexa Heinrich

Funding

Team

Meta Cramer

Funding

Team

Sophie Giulini

Event planning

Team

David Stäudle

Marketing