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Ruhr-Universität Bochum Seminar Participants

These students took part in a seminar conducted by Professor Stefan Berger at Ruhr-Universität Bochum on the ways that trade unions make use of memory in their struggles, both past and present, ranging over many countries and cases. They have contributed to various parts of the website with their insights, and we are very grateful for their willingness to contribute to the network.

Jannis Bonk

My name is Jannis Bonk and I have been studying History and German Studies at the Ruhr University Bochum since Summer 2021. I came to the topic of South African labour history because I have already had the opportunity to gain experience in South Africa through my family and my holidays and I am very interested in the history of South Africa. As I have often heard about the Marikana massacre, I felt that Dr. Berger's seminar was a good opportunity to look more closely at the topic.

Jan England

I study history and geography at the Ruhr University in Bochum. I am connected to the subject of the general strike and the Red Ruhr Army through my home town of Wetter Ruhr, a small town on the edge of the Ruhr area. My interests in my studies lie particularly in modern labour movements and research into violence and genocide.

Yasemin Yonca Cetin

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a dual major in History and Chemistry. Exploring the topic of Turkish trade unions felt like the right opportunity to start reconnecting with my roots, which I have unfortunately grown distant from in recent years. At the same time, it allowed me to dive deeper into the subject and expand my knowledge.

Ela Gül

My name is Ela Gül and I'm studying History and German to become a teacher. I came across the Novamed strike in Turkey because I'm very interested in the topic of female workers.

Jonathan Jänsch

I am from North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and have been studying History and German Studies at the Ruhr University Bochum since 2021. I was already able to gain experience at schools during my studies and would like to work as a teacher after my master's degree. At the same time, I am intensively involved with social and political developments and their historical background.

Nico Kaschitzki

Nico Kaschitzki is currently studying for a Master of Education in English and History at Ruhr University Bochum. During his bachelor’s degree in the same subjects, Nico spent time abroad in Galway, a vibrant city on Ireland’s west coast. This experience improved his language skills and inspired a deep fascination with Irish history, which has shaped his academic and personal interests.

Marc Kukawka

As a Public History student, Marc Kukawka combines his passion for history with innovative approaches at the intersection of pop culture and hands-on experience. Through this practice-oriented approach, he aims to break history free from traditional museum contexts and create new, participatory ways of engaging with the past.

Lisa Otten

I am studying chemistry and history at the Ruhr University Bochum with the career aspiration of becoming a teacher. The topic about the history of the Hungarian trade unions and the revolt of 1956 was particularly interesting for me because of its connection to my family.

Jens Schroeter

I study Public History at the Ruhr University Bochum. The topic of my bachelor thesis was about the the culture of remembrance surrounding the Holland colliery in Wattenscheid. I am currently writing my master's thesis on the process of de-industrialisation based on the media mediation by the city of Bochum from the 1950s onwards with a focus on the connection between image and identity. I have been a member of the trade union ver.di since 2024. My motivation to get involved with the "wild strikes" and migrant co-determination in the 1970s was, above all, the path dependencies of disregard and racism. From today's perspective, this seems paradoxical as the development of the Federal Republic of Germany would not have been possible without migration. And the consequences of the marginalisation of migrants can be felt in parts of society. Marginalisation through concepts such as temporary work is also booming, with individuals being played off against each other. It is therefore my concern to draw attention to the development processes in order to critically question the current instrumentalisation of migrants and to draw attention to the path dependencies mentioned.

Markus Seegers

My subjects are history and German studies. I am particularly interested in researching historical gender equality and the development of democratic processes. I am fascinated by the interactions between social movements and the formation of democratic institutions. During my studies, I have dealt intensively with the role of women in political movements and the development of equal rights.