Summer School
Transdisciplinary Approaches to Societal Polarisation
Joint Summer School University of Groningen and Stellenbosch University

30 June – 4 July 2025 (application deadline 25 April)
Stellenbosch University campus

Dear Colleagues

We are pleased to announce the upcoming international Summer School on Polarisation. This is a joint programme between Stellenbosch University and the University of Groningen.

Summer School
Transdisciplinary Approaches to Societal Polarisation
Joint Summer School University of Groningen and Stellenbosch University

30 June – 4 July 2025 (application deadline 25 April)
Stellenbosch University campus

This international summer school on the topic of Polarisation is jointly offered by Stellenbosch University, South Africa and the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. Following the resounding success of the inaugural summer school in 2024, we are pleased to invite you to apply for the 2025 programme.

Designed for senior BA, MA, and PhD students, this interdisciplinary programme offers a unique opportunity to grapple with one of the most pressing issues facing societies today. Applications are now open — don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative learning experience!

Why polarisation?

Across the globe, societies are facing an increasingly polarised public sphere. This growing polarisation erodes the space for meaningful public dialogue, undermines democratic decision-making, and limits our collective ability to tackle the major challenges of our time — including the climate crisis, poverty and inequality, migration, and cultural or religious conflict.

This summer school equips students with the tools to critically engage with current debates and cutting-edge research on polarisation. Working in interdisciplinary and international teams, participants will also partner with external societal stakeholders to co-design interventions that address polarisation in real-world contexts.

Programme highlights

The programme consists of a combination of preparatory self-study, a dynamic on-site programme in Stellenbosch, consisting of lectures, workshops, site visits, discussion groups and a group project the outcome of which will be submitted after the summer school. An important component of this school will be the use of interactive learning methods in a dynamic hybrid environment, with active discussion and critical reflection by participants.

What you will gain?

By the end of this summer school, you will be able to:
• Define and analyse polarisation from multiple disciplinary perspectives
• Critically assess intervention strategies
• Recognise how polarisation manifests in different global contexts — with a specific focus on South Africa and the Netherlands

You will receive an official certificate of completion.

Meet the experts
• Dr. Anell Daries – Lecturer, Centre for the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest, SU
• Prof. Nuraan Davids – Professor of Philosophy of Education, SU
• Prof. Ronnie Donaldson – Professor of Geography, SU
• Prof. Namkje Koudenburg – Associate Professor of Social Psychology, UG
• Dr. Cristhian Martinez Moreno – Assistant Professor of Social Psychology, UG
• Dr. Brenda Bartelink – Assistant Professor, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, UG
• Dr. Marian Counihan, Assistant Professor, UG University College

You will also meet civil society organisations who will present you with practical problems of social polarisation.

Aside from the academic programme, there will be plenty of opportunities during the social activities to make new connections with peers and lecturers to expand your network.

If you want to apply, or would like more information, visit the summer school website: https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/polarisation/

Please feel free to share this opportunity.

We look forward to meeting you in Stellenbosch!

The organising team,
Vasti Roodt
Namkje Koudenburg
Marian Counihan
Alette Arendshorst
Nine-Marie van Veijeren