Critical Psychology Summer School 2016 (with Congress)

We are happy to announce the 10th Critical Psychology Summer School which will take place at the Alice Salomon Hochschule in Berlin, between the 13th and 17th of September. For more information, free registration and the forthcoming program go to: http://2016.ferienuni.de/

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Critical Psychology Summer School we decided to organize an introductory summer school as well as an advanced congress. Both the summer school and congress will provide the opportunity to study Critical Psychology, discuss its theories and developments as well as network.

But what exactly is “Critical Psychology“?

The research group surrounding Klaus Holzkamp began with a critique of mainstream psychology as a science of control. Moreover, they criticized the manner in which psychological methods reduce human behaviour to a conditioned stimulus-response. As a result they developed categories and theories, which analyze the subject within its situation and position in society. This approach views itself as a Marxist subjective science. It aims at social self-understanding which recognizes that society is made by humans and can thus be changed by humans.

This year’s thematic focuses are:

Critical Psychology Summer School (Ferienuni Kritische Psychologie):

The summer school serves as a framework for lectures and workshops on Critical Psychology at an introductory level. Thus, no previous knowledge is needed. The summer school aims at introducing the theories, concepts and categories of Critical Psychology and will also include sessions on critical science in general. It offers the opportunity to gain a basic understanding of Critical Psychology and lays the foundation for further study in the field.

Critical Psychology Congress (Kongress Kritische Psychologie):

The congress provides a space for Critical Psychologists to present their work and exchange experiences. There will be discussion regarding the relationship between Critical Psychology and other approaches. The congress consists of three tracks: research, praxis and society which may sometimes interact.

The Research Track presents current Critical Psychology research methods and projects as well as addressing the question as to how subjective scientific research may be conducted.

The Praxis Track addresses topics of psychotherapy, counseling and psychosocial practice from a Critical Psychology perspective as well as the practical application of Critical-Psychological concepts.

Finally, the Society Track highlights the contradictions which inevitably arise as a result of capitalism and examines the role of the subject, society and the interaction between them.

We are very much looking forward to it and hope to see you there!

The Orga-Team 2016