Alexander Wolters: “To my colleagues: enjoy the teaching!; to our students: enjoy your studies!”

October 4, 2016

Alexander Wolters, a professor in the Sociology Department, spoke with us about himself and his experience here at AUCA.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up in a little village in Westphalia. I went to school in a neighboring village and first entered the Westphalian Wilhelms University in Münster in 1997 before continuing my education in Tambov / Russia, and later at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder). For many years I have been working and teaching in Kyrgyzstan. For over three years, I conducted my PhD research here, and now I occupy the position of DAAD Visiting Professor.

Why did you decide to work at the AUCA?

That came with the assignment. This DAAD Visiting Professorship is split in two parts: part time at AUCA, and part time at the OSCE Academy.

Tell us more about your academic achievements over the past two years.

I'd say my greatest achievement in the last two years was finally publishing my PhD thesis. The book came out the summer of 2015. In it, I reconstruct and analyze the political conflicts in the aftermath of the Tulip Revolution in the years 2006 to 2008.

What are some common characteristics, passions, and career goals of students in sociology?

I think like many other young people, our students dream to go and see the world, to find a good job, and to pursue their happiness. I believe many of them, as sociologists, strive to find an occupation that will allow them to further study social developments, to struggle with social diseases like poverty and deprivation.

Usually, I try to motivate students to look at things with a changed perspective. In order to motivate students to do so, I sometimes provide texts and material connected to their everyday experiences. Sometimes, I invite them to share their own experiences, and sometimes I bluntly provoke them by turning common beliefs upside down.

What kind of opportunities does an AUCA student have after graduation?

They will be well placed to start working as research assistants in the multiple projects that engage development in our society in all its forms and variety.

What do you think of Kyrgyzstan?

I like the fact that we in Kyrgyzstan still keep our society open as much as possible, invite struggle and contest, and don't give up a search for better solutions to the many problems so many people have to face today. I don't like the fact that, so far, our search and struggle has led to only minor changes. For many, the conditions of life still leave much to be desired.

To my colleagues: enjoy the teaching!; to our students: enjoy your studies!

<< go to news list