EcoS News

See our Ecos News section below for updates on research and student life at the Chair of East Asian Economy and Society (EcoS) or use the menu bar on the left to navigate around our homepage.

Upcoming lecture from Prof. Frank at the 'Foreign Policy and United Nations Association of Austria'

The Foreign Policy and United Nations Association of Austria [ÖAVN in German] will feature a lecture from Prof. Rüdiger Frank on the topic of North Korea. The lecture "Update zu Nordkorea" takes place on Wednesday, June 6 starting at 12:00, at the Hofburg/Stallburg (A-1010 Vienna, Reitschulegasse 2/2. OG). The event requires no previous registration and it is to be held only in German, without translation to English. 

You can find more details on the lecture in the following here [in German]

 

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Prof. Rüdiger Frank on Das Erste: Historic Summit between North and South Korea

Prof. Rüdiger Frank on North Korea: "Kim wird Atombombe nicht aufgeben"

Prof. Rüdiger Frank on Heute Journal: „Ende der dauernden Eskalationen“

Ostasientag 2017 on 12 March 2013

The Ostasientag 2018, an event hosted by the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Vienna, will take place on the 12 March from 09:30 am - 2:00 pm, at the Seminar room 1 from Japanese Studies [Hof 2.4, AAKH Campus, University of Vienna].

This year's event will include two panels: In panel 1 [9:30 - 12:30] graduates from our Department will present their Master theses. In Panel 2 [13:00 - 14:00] two external experts will discuss economic opportunities in East Asia and the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. Both panels are held in German. The event is closed by an Asian buffet lunch.

For more information, click here [in german]

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Extension of the registration period for classes of Professor Sung-Hoon Park

Important information for all EcoS students who wish to register for the classes of Prof. Sung-Hoon Park: "The East Asian Economy: Regional Economic Integration and Regional Architecture in East Asia" and/or "Korea, East Asia and APEC in the World Economy". The registration period has been extended until April 5th, and both courses will begin on April 10th, 2018.

For more information on the courses outlines, click [here] for East Asian Economy and [here] for Korea, East Asia and APEC.

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Book launch "Unterwegs in Nordkorea" on RBB

On the 14th of February, Professor Frank discussed travelling in North Korea and his new book "Unterwegs in Nordkorea" in a program on Berlin-Brandenburg Broadcasting. The whole clip [in German] can be found here.

 

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DAS! with Prof. Rüdiger Frank

Prof. Frank is interviewed by the German TV magazine "DAS!" on his insights and travels to North Korea. You can view the whole program here.

 

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Documentation on the DPRK's participation in the 1964 Olympic Games (with Prof Frank's comments)

On the 4th of February, the Austrian broadcasting services featured a documentary on the DPRK's participation in the 1964 Olympic Games with comments by Prof Rüdiger Frank. You can see the full documentary here.

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Learning Bahasa Indonesia

Dear students,

In the summer term 2018, the Department of Cultural and Social Anthropology (KSA) organizes two Bahasa Indonesia language courses (taught in English): one for beginners and one for advanced speakers. The beginner course will be held each Thursday (from 15 March on), 4:45-6:15 pm at KSA, seminar room D. There is no date for the advanced level course yet. Both classes will be taught by Paulina Chandrasari Kusuma, an experienced language teacher.

The courses, offered in cooperation with the Indonesian ministry of education and culture, are free of charge. However, as they are not part of the official curriculum, students can NOT RECEIVE ANY ECTS for their participation.  

In case you are interested in attending one of the courses, please contact Dr. Gabriele Weichart (KSA, gabriele.weichart@univie.ac.at).

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Self-Confidence After a Tough Year

On 38 North, Prof. Frank comments on the 2018 New Year speech by Kim Jong-un. [link]

 

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EcoS Participation in MIRAI Program 2017

In October 2017, EcoS student Kristian Viflot traveled to Japan as participant of the MIRAI program, offered by the Japanese Foreign Ministry. In the following, he describes his experiences in Japan.

“I had the pleasure of joining the first group of this year’s MIRAI Program from October 4th to 11th 2017. The MIRAI Program is a short-term exchange program hosted twice annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Program is meant to promote Japanese culture, foreign policy, politics, language, history, and economy to graduate and undergraduate students from Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus region. In total, we were 84 people from these regions, with 1-2 people coming from each country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan had put together an intense week for us in Japan. At the Japanese Foreign Ministry in Tokyo we had lectures and presentations on Japanese foreign policies, such as Japan’s efforts in global denuclearization, North Korea policies, as well as African Aid policies. In Tokyo, we also attended academic lectures on politics, economics and sociology at Keio University where we had the opportunity to exchange our opinions with Japanese students on the same topics. To get a better understanding of Japanese culture and history, we took the famous Shinkansen train to Kyoto, where we saw the Golden Pavilion Temple and the Higashi Honganji Temple, as well as experienced an introduction into the traditional Japanese art form of Noh-theater. To put Japanese foreign policies as a peaceful nation in context, we visited Hiroshima, where we saw the world-famous Great Tori at Miyajima/Itsukushima Shrine, before receiving a first-hand story from a hibakusha (a survivor of the atomic bombing) of the horrific aftermath of the Hiroshima bomb in WW2, as well as visiting the Peace Memorial Park to learn more about the realities of the atomic bombing. Back in Tokyo, we visited Tokyo National Museum, before getting an introduction into the Japanese governments efforts in Disaster Prevention, a pressing issue in Japanese everyday life as well as politics, at the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park. The week was rounded up with a workshop at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and amazing views of Tokyo from the observation deck at Roppongi Hills.

The Program delivered a solid, first-hand introduction into Japanese culture, politics and economy. It fueled my interest in, and built on my understanding of Japanese people, as well as Japan as a country, and its place in the international society. Moreover, I got to share my views on Japan and the world in general with 84 other people from different cultures than myself, which was very rewarding indeed. The Japanese MIRAI Program surely stands out as an excellent example of cultural diplomacy, with its focus on peace, friendship, and cultural understanding.”

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Important information for future EcoS students

 

From summer semester 2018 onward, the University of Vienna will apply a new tuition fee structure for students coming from a non-EU/EEA country. 

You can read the detailed information [here]

 

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In case you missed it...

Guest lectures in November

Bid Invitation: External Lecturer

EcoS is looking for an external lecturer for the course on Intercultural Negotiation Patterns (type VO - Vorlesung, 4 ECTS, 2 SSt.) starting from summer term 2018. This course is part of module 4 East Asian Society in the curriculum of the MA programme EcoS, as well as the extension curriculum Intercultural Skills East Asia. For more information please see our bid invitation.

 

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Vorankündigung: Karenzvertretung Universitätsassistent/in ab 01.02.2018

Am Institut für Ostasienwissenschaften der Universität Wien wird demnächst eine Karenzvertretung in der Funktion einer/s Universitätsassistent/in („praedoc“) von 01.02.2018 bis 31.08.2018 frei werden. Die Ausschreibung erfolgt voraussichtlich im November im Job Center der Universität Wien (http://jobcenter.univie.ac.at). Interessierte Personen können sich jedoch ab sofort bei Martin Mandl (martin.mandl [at] univie.ac.at) informieren.

 

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Economic Sanctions and the Nuclear Issue: Lessons From North Korean Trade

On 38 North, Prof. Frank comments on the latest North Korean trade data in the context of the ongoing sanctions debate. [link]

The key takeaways include:

• North Korean trade in 2016 has grown over 2015 (when it had dropped for the first time in 16 years), which is counterintuitive.
• The trade deficit in 2016, and actually each year since Kim Jong-un has taken power, is below the average of 2005-2012.
• We see no obvious effect of the closing of the Kaesong Industrial Zone on North Korean imports.
• With cash reserves of just 2 billion US$, and at the current levels of price and usage, the North Korean government could procure oil for the next five years without exporting a singe item.
• Only ten years ago, North Korea was able to exist comfortably with just one third of its current trade.

 

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phoenix: Im Dialog mit Prof. Frank

IM ZENTRUM: "Die Angst vor der Bombe"

In Austria's ORF2 talkshow Im Zentrum, Prof. Frank explains how and why the DPRK pursues its nuclear programme and discusses with other prominent guests the actual threat of North Korean missiles. [temporary link in German]

 

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"Einblicke in den isoliertesten Staat der Welt, Hintergründe zum aktuellen Konflikt" - Ö1, Punkt eins, 31.8.

Course Registration

For the upcoming winter term 2017/18, registration for EcoS courses will be available between 04 September, 10:00am and 25 September 2017, 10:00am. A later registration of courses is not possible.

New students please note that you have to finalise your admission in person at the Admission Office before you can register for classes. Language classes in Japanese and Korean will be available for registration between 14 and 28 September 2017. Please check the course directory for details.

Contact Your Student Representatives

In case of questions concerning student life at EcoS and in Vienna, post in the EcoS Student Facebook Group or contact your newly elected student representatives Alejandra and Katharina via Email (ecos.studentreps[at]gmail.com).

Navigating Difficult Waters: President Moon Jae-in’s Berlin Speech

On 38 North, Prof. Frank comments on the speech by South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in in Berlin, Germany on July 6, and his proposals about how to deal with North Korea. [link]

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The Case of Otto Warmbier

Celebrating 100 EcoS Graduates

On 14 June, the staff of EcoS together with the Directorate of Studies, Prof. Weigelin-Schwiedrzik, celebrated the 100th EcoS graduate. Addressing the fight against poverty in East Asia, Ole Engelhardt became the 100th student to graduate from EcoS. The staff of EcoS is congratulating Mr Engelhardt and all EcoS graduates for their achievements, represented in the kaleidoscope of theses' topics successfully presented during the last seven years.

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Update Admission Study Year 2017/18

Dear Applicants,

EcoS staff is looking forward to welcoming 30 new, highly qualified students with various disciplinary backgrounds in the study year 2017/18. We are delighted, as we have received more than 100 applications from students from Asia, Africa, Europe and North and Latin America.

The decision made by the selection committee will be communicated to the applicants in the upcoming days. Please check our For Students section, especially the information provided under New Students, once you received your note of acceptance.

Applicants who were not successfully this time can of course apply for the next admission period (study year 2018/19).

EcoS Staff Update - Dr. Gerstl: Consultation hours during summer 2017 / Master thesis supervision

Dear students,

due to holidays and conference attendances, Dr. Gerstl´s consultation hours from July until September 2017 will be held on the following days:

• Mo, 3 July 2-4 pm
• Mo, 24 July, 2-4 pm
• Fr, 11 August, 2-3 pm
• Mo, 21 August, 2-3:30 pm
• Mo, 4 September, 2-3:30 pm
• Mo, 25 September, 1-3 pm

Feedback on Master theses

In case you wish to write your Master thesis under Dr. Gerstl´s supervision (and have already informed him about your plans), you should hand in your thesis until 15 December 2017 AT THE LATEST. If you plan to send him parts of your Master thesis during the summer months, you can expect his comments within 4-6 weeks.

Defensio

Dr. Gerstl is willing to act as your first or second examiner until late January 2018.

tagesschau24: Nordkorea am Ende?

On 13 May, 9:02pm at Tagesschau24, Prof. Frank will discuss current North Korean topics with ARD's Ulrich Timm. [link in German]

Application Period Closed

The application period for prospective students starting EcoS with the academic year 2017/18 closed on 30 April 2017. Further applications for the upcoming academic year are not accepted.

Students who successfully submitted their application via the Admission Office (Student Point): Please do not expect notification of acceptance before end of June 2017. Until then, no information on the status of your application can be given.

Application period for the next Academic Year (2018/19) (incl. period for online pre-registration) will open from 1 March to 30 April 2018.

The North Korean Parliamentary Session and Budget Report for 2017

In his annual analysis of the North Korean parliamentary session, Prof. Frank concludes that the event followed the routine of the previous years which is remarkable given the unusual external circumstances including the Chinese implementation of economic sanctions, a political crisis in South Korea and growing military pressure from the Trump administration. Furthermore, the reports of the SPA session offer a number of interesting insights on the development of North Korea's economy and even a hint at growing local autonomy. [link]

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Prof. Jérémy Jammes: Fieldworking Religions in Southeast Asia

Professor Jammes, an anthropologist of religion, is the leading authority in Cao Dai Studies. He will share his general fieldwork experience in a workshop held on 16 May (9:45am-11:15am) at the Department of Religious Studies, providing practical hints for doing ethnographic research.

On 15 May (6:15pm) the Department organizes a moderated discussion with experts on "Encountering Religion: Cao Dai" (HS3 of the ETF, Schenkenstraße 8-10, 1010 Wien) [click here for full announcement]

Please register at: olivia.roellin[at]univie.ac.at

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Consumerism in North Korea

Prof. Frank discusses the latest changes in North Korea based on his visit to the country in Feb. 2017, and offers details on the surprisingly dynamic and still relatively new consumer culture. [link]

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Easter Break & Info for Prospective Students

Work and Life in post-2011 Myanmar: Insights from an Expat

Guest Lecture and Q&A with EcoS Graduate Jörg Thiele, Business Development and Marketing Manager, JJ-Pun Ltd., Yangon

Date: Tuesday, 25 April 2017
Time: 6:30pm
Location: seminar room OAW, at the Department of East Asian Studies

[click here for full announcement]

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Talk: Poetics and Politics – Stefan Zweig in Taiwan

As part of the Vienna Taiwan Lecture Series at the University of Vienna Arnhilt J. Höfle will present in English a chapter of her forthcoming book on the reception of Stefan Zweig in the Chinese-speaking world:

Date: Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Time: 6:15pm
Location: seminar room Sinologie 1, at the Department of East Asian Studies

[link]

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Ostasientag 2017 on 13 March 2017

The Ostasientag 2017 - an event hosted by the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Vienna - will take place on 13 March, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm (Japanese Studies, groundfloor).

In Panel 1 graduates from our Department will present their Master theses. In Panel 2 (12:45-2:00) two external experts will discuss economic opportunities in East Asia. Both panels are held in German. The event is closed by an Asian buffet lunch.

[event link in German]

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"China needs a stable North Korea"

In an interview with German news broadcaster n-tv Prof. Frank explains the intentions behind North Korea's latest missile test, China's interests in North Korea and whether or not a meeting between Kim and Trump is possible. [link in German]

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Apply Now!

Course Times

In addition to the online course directory (Vorlesungsverzeichnis) on u:find, please note the following course times:

• VU Methods in East Asian Studies: Thursdays 5:00pm to 6:30pm starting 02 March 2017
• VU The Korean Peninsula and Security in Northeast Asia: blocked on selected Fridays 12:00noon to 2:00pm starting 10 March 2017

Both courses have limited seats available, please attend the first session in order to register. For details on these and other EcoS courses in summer semester 2017 please see the online course directory on u:find.
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North Korea's Secrets

In ORFeins ZIB Magazin on 23 February 2017, Prof. Frank evaluates on a North Korea beyond official imagery by the state media [in German].

[temporary link]

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End of Term and Lecture Free Time

Vortrag "Strategien und Kräfteverhältnisse im Süchinesischen Meer", 18.1., 17:00-19:00 Uhr

Diplomatische Akademie Wien, Favoritenstraße 15a, 1040 Wien

Werner Fasslabend, Alfred Gerstl and Nikolaus Scholik will provide insights on recent developments in the South China Sea dispute. Topics will be China´s response to the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Philippine President Duterte´s new approach, Vietnam´s reactions to these developments and an outlook on President-elect Trump´s possible strategy (in German).

https://www.da-vienna.ac.at/de/Events/MoreInformation-de-AT/Id/898/Strategien-und-Krafteverhaltnisse-im-Sudchinesischen-Meer

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 2016

It's the Season ...

therefore the Chair of EcoS wishes you

A joyful Festive Season and a very Happy New Year 2017.

The university's christmas holidays are from 19 December 2016 to 8 January 2017. Students please note that no classes will be held during this time, university offices and libraries may have special opening hours and consultation hours at EcoS are held by prior appointment by eMail only.
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The Unification Cases of Germany and Korea: A Dangerous Comparison

Prof. Frank discusses the pitfalls of comparing the actual case of German unification with the hypothetical case of Korean unification.

Part 1: http://38north.org/2016/11/rfrank110316/
Part 2: http://38north.org/2016/12/rfrank120816/

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Career Paths for Young Academics: ERC and START Grants

Upcoming Guest Lectures

Doktoratsstudium ALT (092)

Am 30. November 2017 läuft das „Doktoratstudium alt“ nach UniStG endgültig aus. Betroffene Studierende sind dringend aufgerufen, sich die diesbezüglichen Informationen des philologisch-kulturwissenschaftlichen StudienServiceCenters (SSC) durchzulesen.

[mehr]
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MA Thesis Supervision by Dr. Gerstl

Important information for all EcoS students who wish to write their MA thesis under the supervision of Dr. Gerstl: Due to his contract situation, Dr. Gerstl will not supervise any MA theses past October 2017. Therefore should you wish to chose Dr. Gerstl as your supervisor,  you have to discuss and finalise your thesis concept with him before 10 March 2017 as well as scheduling your final oral examination (defensio) before 05 October 2017. This further requires you to submit your finished MA thesis no later than 15 August 2017. For supervision by Dr. Gerstl thus please contact him directly as early as possible and thoroughly adhere to the above deadlines. 
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Approval of Credits and Examination Record

China's Economic Growth and Impact on the Global Economy

Guest Lecture in cooperation with the Japanese Embassy in Vienna by Prof. Tomoo Marukawa on "the Future of China's Economic Growth and Its Impact on the Global Economy, 11 November 2016, 6:00pm, Seminarroom JAP 1 (entrance 2.4), no registration required.

[more]
(announcement in German, lecture will be in English)______________________________________________________________________

PhD Positions in Stockholm

Stockholm School of Economics is now recruiting two sponsored Ph.D. candidates/research assistants for the Doctoral Programme in Asian Economy and Business.

[more]

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Bid Invitation for two External Lecturers!

Focus Point: Master Studies

Prof. Stephen J. Epstein: Us and Them: Korean Indie Rock in a K-Pop World

Prof. Frank comments on a recent U.S. State Department initiative

regarding a media and information campaign in North Korea. His main point is that ideology clearly is the weak spot of the North Korean system, but that he is skeptical concerning the understanding in Washington about the actual effects of single measures, the speed and likeliness of desired outcomes, and the risks involved. See "Between Wishful Thinking and Realism: Hopes for a Pyongyang Spring", http://38north.org/2016/09/rfrank092916/

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New Director of Studies: Prof. Dr. Susanne Weigelin-Schwiedrzik

Dear EcoS Students! From 1 October 2016, Prof. Dr. Susanne Weigelin-Schwiedrzik will be our new Director of Studies. She and her team, in particular Ms Stefanie Yu (stefanie.yu[at]univie.ac.at), will be responsible for all study matters concerning approval of credits, substitution of seminars, exchange semester, electronic record of examination ("Prüfungspass") and so on. More on the approval of credits/courses and on Prof. Dr. Weigelin-Schwiedrzik at For Students\Approval of Credits.

E-Mail: susanne.weigelin-schwiedrzik[at]univie.ac.at

EcoS staff (ecos[at]univie.ac.at) remains responsible for questions concerning the admission to the EcoS Master Programme. Adminstrative questions should be addressed to the Administration Office.

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Important Info for all new EcoS Students

The Chair of EcoS together with the elected Student Representatives would like to help all new students getting oriented in the programme. Therefore please find important information summarised on the New Students page.

Crucial dates at a glance:

• Course registration is open exclusively between 15 and 29 September 2016, 10:00am. (For questions on the course registration process, please refer to the How To document compiled by your student representatives.)
• Courses officially commence 03 October 2016 according to the times indicated in the EcoS Course Catalogue. (Please be aware that certain courses might be blocked or start at a later date)
• An official Orientation Meeting for all new students with EcoS Staff and Student Representatives will take place 03 October 2016, 3:30pm at seminar room OAW (Ostasienwissenschaften). Attendance is highly recommended for all new students.

The Chair of EcoS and the student representatives wish all students a smooth start into the new semester! 

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Media Comments by Dr. Alfred Gerstl on the Philippines and the South China Sea (both in German)

TV interview with EcoS staff member Dr. Alfred Gerstl on the effects of Philippine President Duterte´s latest remarks on Barack Obama (ORF2 ZiB2, 6.9.2016 - http://tvthek.orf.at/program/ZIB-2/1211/ZIB-2/13639368/Die-Schreckensherrschaft-des-Rodrigo-Duterte/13639477). 

In a newspaper comment, Dr. Gerstl argues that the ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal in Den Hague regarding the Philippine´s dispute with China (12 July 2016) offers the opportunity to resolve the territorial disputes in the South China Sea under the framework of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

You can read the full comment, published in "Der Standard" on 18 July 2016, online: derstandard.at/2000041259548/Recht-oder-Macht-im-Suedchinesischen-Meer

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A Warm Welcome to All New EcoS Students!

The EcoS team is happy for having received more than 100 applications from Africa, East and Central Asia, Europe, Middle East, North and South America for the academic year 2016/17. The Selection Committee has already finalized its selection process. All candidates will be informed in the next days.

 EcoS is looking forward to welcome 30 new, highly qualified students from around the world in October 2016!

  Some of you may have received a letter from the Admission Office, asking you to provide additional documents or proofs. In this case, please reply to Masterzulassung (master.zulassung[at]univie.ac.at). EcoS staff cannot assist you in this or other purely administrative matters.

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Department of East Asian Studies/EcoS seeks a University Assistant (prae doc), 1.9.2016 - 31.8.2020

Guest Comment in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung by Prof. Frank

Prof. Frank was just published in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ). You can read his comments on North Korea's apparent stability amidst international criticism and pressure by following the link below. (German)

Nordkorea und seine politischen Perspektiven: Virtuose einer strategischen Zwangslage

Studienassistenz EcoS (Wintersemester 2016/17, 10 Wochenstunden, Variante 1.b) *UPDATE*

Panel Discussion- The Silk Road to the Global Superpower China

A panel discussion on China's one belt one road initiative, which combines the new land based and maritime silk roads.

The discussion will be held in German!

Participating are:

• Dr. Werner Fasslabend; President of the AIES, Former Minister for National Defense
  
  
• Dr. Alfred Gerstl; Institute of East Asian Studies/EcoS , University of Vienna
  
  
• Col. Dr. Norbert Lacher; Military Academy Wiener Neustadt
  
  
• Dr. Nikolaus Scholik; Author of "Seemacht im 21. Jahrhundert (Naval Power in the 21^st century)"

Welcoming address by Ambassador Dr. Hans Winkler, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna

Wednesday, May 18th, 2016
Diplomatic Academy Vienna, Favoritenstraße 15a, 1040 Wien (Kreisky-Zimmer / Kreisky-Room)

Registration is required. Information can be found here.

Call for Papers - Cultural Typhoon in Europe

This conference provides a platform for young researchers and scholars from East Asian Studies (Japanese Studies, Chinese Studies, Korean Studies, Comparative East Asian Studies etc.) and Cultural Studies and Social Science researchers focussing on the area, to debate, connect and network, by discussing the topic of Places and Spaces of Cultural Production in East Asia.

Places and Spaces of Cultural Production in East Asia
International Graduate Conference / Cultural Typhoon in Europe 2016

22nd to 25th September 2016, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Vienna

The conference welcomes:
A) Graduate students (doctoral candidates and master students)

B) Academics

C) Artists, journalists and activists

Submissions should include a written abstract in English, as well as the author’s affiliation, contact details and a classification to one of the groups mentioned above (A, B, or C). The written abstract should not exceed 350 words and must include a title and the author’s name. (We welcome abstracts in any additional language as supplement to the English version and these abstracts will be included in the programme as well). Participants from Group C can also attach pictures or links to back up their written concepts. All information should be included in a single attached file in .rtf or .pdf format.

Accepted paper presenters will be allowed at least 15 minutes for presentation and an additional 10 minutes for a question and answer session with the audience. A publication including papers read at the conference is planned. Further details about this project will be published on the homepage.

We also encourage contributions which aim at creative and unusual forms of presentations like round tables, film screenings, performances and happenings, etc. If you are planning such a contribution, please add a detailed description (including a list of the facilities you need) to your abstract. If you have any questions, just contact us in advance.

Call for papers deadline: Monday, 30th May 2016 (12:00 CEST)

You can download the full information here.

What’s Cultural Typhoon?

Cultural Typhoon is a cultural event that involves presentations and interactions based on an equal relationship among individuals of various positions. Unrestricted by the existent form of academic conferences and symposiums, this event aims to facilitate a space for free and vigorous exchange of opinions as well as intellectual discussion between scholars within the academia as well as amongst social activists and artists who express themselves through myriad types of media.
cultural-typhoon.com/act/en/whats-cultural-typhoon/

Bid Invitation For an External Lecturer!

The Chair of East Asian Economy and Society at the University of Vienna is looking for an external lecturer for the winter term 2016! We accept applications for courses of Module 4: East Asian Society of our curriculum, type VU.

For more information, check out the full bid here!

Analysis of the North Korean budget report 2016 by Prof. Frank

Discussion concerning the Kaesong closure with Prof. Frank

Prof. Frank and Theo Clement discuss the Kaesong closure in more detail, looking at the balance sheet for South Korea and for North Korea. They conclude: "...it seems fair to conclude that neither side clearly wins from the Kaesŏng closure, indeed, that both sides face losses..."

To read more, see: apjjf.org/2016/06/Frank.html

Writing Workshops – Schreibwerkstätten

Dear Students,

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) of the University of Vienna offers support to all students currently working on their master´s theses.

The Schreibwerkstätten (Writing Workshops) will now be offered in English to non-German-speaking students and to students writing in English. The series of five consecutive workshops is aimed at guiding a group of 12 students through their academic writing process and providing them with strategies and methods for all stages of the process, from narrowing down their research question to final editing.

An “English for Academic Purposes” workshop will be offered to address the specifics of writing in English. It will be open to all students writing in English who have been to a writing workshop/Schreibwerkstatt (English or German).

Furthermore, you are cordially invited to attend the weekly „Schreibtreff“ (Writing Group) by Klara Dreo. It will allow you to expand on topics discussed in the workshops, receive constructive feedback and gain motivation for your writing project. Once you attended a Writing Workshop you may also book an individual counseling session.

The first writing workshop will take place on April 6th, 2016, 10:00-13:00 in the large seminar room at the CTL (Center for Teaching and Learning), Universitätsstraße 5, 1010 Vienna, 3rd floor.

Depending on the acceptance of this offer, the follow-up workshop will take place in May.

The participation is possible under the following conditions:

-          You are a master´s student enrolled at the University of Vienna.

-          You have – apart from the master´s thesis – finished your studies.

-          You have a topic for your thesis which has been already registered officially.

-          You have an overview over the literature you are going to use.

-          You have a supervisor and have recently had a meeting, or have one scheduled within the next month.

-          You have time at your disposal to work on your thesis consistently.

How does the registration work?

Please send an email to: ctl.schreibwerkstatt@univie.ac.at

This email should contain the following information:

-          first and last names

 -          email address

 -          your subject(s)

 -          subject identification number (Studienkennzahl)

 -          student number (Matrikelnummer)

 -          topic of your thesis

 -          name of supervisor

 -          Do you fully meet the conditions for registration: Yes/No

As soon as we receive your email containing all the necessary information, Klara Dreo will register you for the workshops. Keep in mind that you can participate in Workshop 2 only after you have attended Workshop 1. If there are too many applications, additional workshops might be offered. If you are registered for a workshop but fail to attend without previous notice, you will be suspended from the workshops. The workshops are free of charge for students of Vienna University.

We look forward to receiving your application for registration!

Contact:Klara Dreo, BA Mag.a Brigitte Römmer-Nossek

ctl.schreibwerkstatt[at]univie.ac.at

University Scholarships for your MA-Thesis

If you are working on your MA-thesis and have difficulties financing overseas flights for research purposes or have other expenses incurring, consider applying for a scholarship/grant by the University of Vienna! 

There are certain requirements you have to fulfill:

 

• Exceptionally high financial burden for the student. E.g. travel expenses for research abroad
• Grant-worthiness of MA-thesis. This decision rests on the commission for scholarships, which is considering criteria like "exceptionality of the researched topic"
• Grading average must be above 2.5 (i.e. 2.5 or better)

You can find more information here. (German only)

Application period is from April 4^th to 22^nd!

If you do not speak German and need assistance applying, please contact your student representatives!

New Interviews and Publication by Prof. Frank

Prof. Frank in an interview (in German) with "Die Zeit" on the case of Otto Warmbier, a U.S. student who has been convicted to 15 years in a North Korean labor camp: http://www.zeit.de/politik/2016-03/nordkorea-urteil-student-warmbier

Interview of Radio TBS EFM, Seoul (in English), with Prof. Frank on the Kaesong closure, markets in North Korea, and the effect of sanctions, of March 15, 2016: http://www.tbs.seoul.kr/news/aodPlayer.jsp?mms=mms://115.84.165.160/eFMAOD/ThisMorning/ThisMorning-20160315-02.mp3&program_id= (To listen to this programme, you will have to use Internet Explorer with an active Windows Media Player Plugin; Interview starts at 11:00)

 

“The Costs of Korean Unification: Realistic Lessons from the German Case”, in: Korea’s Economy, Vol. 20, 2016, pp. 93-100, keia.org/sites/default/files/publications/kei_koreaseconomy_frank.pdf

Abstract: German unification is often used as a preview on what is going to happen in Korea. Such a position is rejected in this article. Not only have the costs of German unification been grossly overestimated or misinterpreted, the costs in the Korean case will in many areas be lower than in Germany, and the benefits of unification will be much bigger, which further decreases the net costs. South Korea will, however, experience problems of a structural nature that have not occurred in Germany. The potential role of external partners for shouldering the costs of unification should also not be underestimated in the Korean case, although it will come at a political price. Finally, a highly speculative but not completely unrealistic scenario of unification is briefly presented that would incur almost no unification costs at all. 

Interviews and Discussions by Prof. Frank

New Application Procedures and Admission Requirements

U:SPACE - the first step to your studies 

U:SPACE is the portal for students from the University of Vienna. It is the central access point for all services related to the organisation of your studies.

From 1 March 2016 onwards, you can apply for admission to degree programmes requiring application procedures, to master's, doctoral and PhD programmes for the winter semester of 2016/17 via U:SPACE. From 1 April 2016 onwards, this is also possible for bachelor's programmes not requiring application procedures.

It is the first time that you enroll at the University of Vienna?

As a prospective student, you have to register in U:SPACE. On the log-in page you find a link that guides you through the registration process. Afterwards, you can apply for admission to degree programmes via U:SPACE.

You already study/studied at the University of Vienna?

As a student, you can log in to U:SPACE in the usual way, select your desired degree programme from a list of possible degree programmes and finally apply for admission.

Admission to degree programmes at the University of Vienna

Important Dates

New Admission Requirements

Furthermore we are glad to announce that for the admission starting from winter semester 2016/17, EcoS has expanded its capacity to take in 30 new students!

Language requirements have also relaxed, as we now expect the level B2 of the Common European Framework of References for Languages. Valid proof of language command include:

1. Completion of an English-language study programme (BA-equivalent)
2. TOEFL: Ibt (internet-based): min. 87 points
3. IELTS: Overall Band Score: 6.5
4. Cambridge English First Certificate (FCE): at least Grade C (min. 160 points)
5. Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): Level B2
6. Sprachenzentrum der Universität Wien/Language Center of the University of Vienna: Placement Test Level B2
7. Successfully taken subject English in school leaving examination (“Maturazeugnis”)

Please check our admissions page for further details concerning the EcoS admission process!

Announcement: Ostasientag 2016 on 11 March 2016

Workshop: Engaging North Korea

On 16 December 2015, Prof. Rüdiger Frank invited international junior and senior experts to Vienna with a view to discussing current and possible future engagements with North Korea. The workshop proved a great success and will hopefully lead to further fruitful collaborations.

Click here for more information.

Ostasientag 2016: Call for Photos

EcoS is looking for a high-quality photo (in colour, taken by yourself, .gif/.pgn/.jpg-format) that can be used for advertising next year's Ostasientag (11 March 2016).

The photo must comply with common ethical standards and should clearly reflect on the motto of the event "Ostasien: Zu- & Ausgänge", i.e. a wordplay on various approaches to and aspects of the engagement with East Asia, evoking the image of ways leading into/out of the region. Creative interpretations of the theme are highly welcome!

The winner of the photo competition will be selected by a jury comprising of EcoS staff members, and will receive a voucher for an exclusive Dinner for Two at the restaurant Saigon, Neulerchenfelderstraße 37, A-1160 Vienna.

Deadline for Submission: 10 December 2015, 6 pm

Please submit your photo incl. a brief statement (what can be seen on the photo, when/where was it taken etc.) via email to Anna Holzmann (anna.karin.holzmann[at]univie.ac.at), Student assistant at the Chair of East Asian Economy and Society.

Click here for more information in German.

Invitation: Talk on "Indonesia - The New Maritime Axis on the Asia-Pacific"

EcoS cordially invites you to a highly interesting talk by Dr. Tomáš Petrů from the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences on "Indonesia - The New Maritime Axis of the Asia-Pacific", discussing - amongst others - Indonesia's role as a new, rising middle power.

The talk takes place on Thursday, 3 December 2015 (4:45-6:15pm) at the seminar room OAW (2I-O1-05), Hof 2, AAKH Campus. The event is open to the public. No prior registration is needed.

Please click here for more details.

 

Release: Report of the Department of East Asian Studies 2015

With the help of Josef Falko Loher and Anna Holzmann of the Chair of East Asian Economy and Society, the annual report of the Department of East Asian Studies ("Institutsbericht") for the academic year 2014/15 has now been finalised and published on the website of the Department of East Asian Studies.

Click here to access the full report (in German).

Paid Six Months Traineeship in Myanmar

[07 July 2015] Julian Stefan, a former EcoS student, is now head of the Mandalay office of the German trade company Jebsen & Jessen Southeast Asia. The company is growing fast, thus he seeks EcoS graduates or students who will graduate soon who are interested in a paid six months traineeship in Myanmar. Preference will be given to persons who can imagine to work long-term for the company.

For more information please check: www.jj-pun.com and www.jjsea.com. In case you are interested, please contact julian_stefan@jjsea.com directly.

Thesis Writing Workshop 2015/16

[07 July 2015] The Center for Teaching and Learning offers a workshop for Master students who are already in the process of writing their Master thesis („Schreibwerkstätten“). A mentor will support you and max. 14 other Master students in structuring your topic, researching literature, writing the very first draft version and re-writing it to hopefully submit the final version in the summer semester 2016. There will be 8 meetings ...

[please click here for further info]

Welcoming our New EcoS Students

[24 June 2015] The Chair of East Asian Economy and Society is proud to announce that the Selection Committee has positively approved the acceptance of 25 new EcoS students for the academic year 2015/16. 70 applications from students of 34 different nations were registered during this year's application window, confirming the international reputation of our programme. While we congratulate those who were accepted, we at the same time regret not to be able to accommodate further highly motivated and diversely skilled applicants.

Please click Admission on your left for additional information on our application procedure or navigate to New Students in the For Students directory for valuable information if you are among the newly accepted students.

 

Self-Employment & East Asia

[23 June 2015] An audience of students and other interested individuals took the opportunity to learn first hand from our four experts, each founding and running her/his own business with a focal Point on  East Asia, at Praxis Link East Asia's (PLEA) Expert Round Table: Self-Employment & East Asia, yesterday. The individual setting of the event, chaired by Josef Falko Loher and Martin Mandl, as well as the relaxed atmosphere allowed for a stimulated exchange between our guest speakers and the participating audience. Personal insights and distinct approaches to self-employment were shared and valuable lessons learned by our students for their own future self-employment projects. The Department of East Asian Studies would like to sincerely thank its guests for sharing their experience and is looking forward to another PLEA event soon.

For a short biography of our guest speakers please see the pdf-invitation.

Expert Round Table: Self-Employment & East Asia

The Department of East Asian Studies cordially invites all Students and Staff to our lecture series Praxis Link East Asia. Together with our Experts we will share Ideas, gain Insights, discuss Chances, Challenges and Opportunities, and learn from the Experience of being Self-Employed with an East Asian focal point. And we especially want to answer your Questions!

When? 22 June 2015, 6:30pm
Where? Seminarroom OAW (2I-O1-05) Hof 2, AAKH Campus

Open for public attendance without prior Registration.

Click here for the full pdf-Invitation.

Bid Invitation: External Lecturer

The Chair of East Asian Economy and Society (EcoS) is looking for an external lecturer for one course in the winter term 2015/16 within the following range of topics:

• East Asian Economy (M2),
• East Asian Politics (M3), or
• East Asian Society (M4)

Numbers in brackets are reference to the respective Module in our Curriculum.

If you are interested and see yourself apt for teaching at our Chair, please see the Bid Invitation for further details and send your complete application per eMail to ecos@univie.ac.at until July 1, 2015.

Tseten Zöchbauer: Tibetans in Exile

The Chair of EcoS and Fiona Seiger cordially invite to a special lecture by Tseten Zöchbauer on "Transnational Identities and Notions of 'Home': Tibetans in Exile" as part of the ongoing seminar "Migration in East Asia". The lecture will be held Thursday, June 18, 3:00-4:30pm and is open for public attendance without prior registration.

Tseten Zöchbauer was born in Tibet in 1959. From 1961 to 1964 she lived ...

click here for the full invitation

Announcing the new Student Representatives

From 19 May to 21 May 2015 the University of Vienna has elected its student representatives. This also gave EcoS students the possibility to vote for their direct representation for the next two years.

The Chair of EcoS is happy to announce three highly motivated candidates who have been elected for the two-year-term office as student representatives. They are (by number of votes): 

• Hanna Andrea SAND
• Anna Karin HOLZMANN
• Daniel YASIN

We compliment them on their election and look forward to a fruitful cooperation!

Tokyo live in our Classroom

For her class on Migration in East Asia, Fiona Seiger today (7 May 2015) invited a special guest via live online stream to the EcoS classroom. Cesar Santoyo, founder of the Centre for Japanese – Filipino Families (CJFF) and the Social Enterprise English Language School (SEELS), shared his valuable insight into the situation of Filipina migrant women and their children within the Japanese society. Students thereby could gain from the first hand experience and knowledge of an expert in the field.

Planet Wissen: Prof. Frank on Korea [in German]

In German television programme "Planet Wissen: Korea - Geteiltes Land" (WDR, SWR, ARD-alpha), Prof. Rüdiger Frank and Korean-born movie director Sung Yung Cho share their insights in and prospects for the two countries along the 38th parallel.

Click here for the full video [in German]!

Strategic Gaming: South China Sea Conflict 2015

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Lecture "Intercultural Negotiation Patterns": 3rd and 4th Exam dates out now!

The third exam date will be September 30 2013, 18.30-20.00, Hörsaal C2 UniCampus, Hof 2. The time window for registration via UNIVIS will be in the two weeks prior to the exam date. 

The fourth exam date will be January 31 2013, 13.15-14.45, Hörsaal 32, Hauptgebäude. The time window for registration via UNIVIS will be in the two weeks prior to the exam date.via .

What is behind North Korea's threats? - ZDF interview with Prof. Rudiger Frank.

Prof. Frank comments on the motives behind North Korea's threats. (April 1st, 2013).

YouTube

Career Mentoring and Business Education for young academics

Research assistant and PhD candidate Stephan Si-Hwan PARK launched in February 2013 the Online School for UNconventional Academics.

The Center for Doctoral Studies at the University of Vienna interviewed him about the idea behind http://howtobecomeaprofessor.com. Click here to read the full interview (German).

Interview

Online School for UNconventional Academics

YouTube Channel

Job Announcement

ANNOUNCEMENT: Second Registration Phase for Courses now open

The Second Registration Phase for EcoS courses is now open until March 11,  10 am on the UNIVIS system. Only the following courses that still have free places available are open for registration:

• VU History of East Asia
• VU Creative Class and Tolerance in East Asia
• SE Political Systems in East Asia (Group 2)
• SE Research Seminar and Monitoring Class for the Master's and PhD Thesis

Ostasientag 2013 (in German)

7 young East Asianists will present their final theses at the Department of East Asian Studies on Monday, March 11, 3 pm to 6:30 pm in the C2 lecture hall. This event is recommended for all EcoS students as a preparation for writing their master thesis. Click here for the program.

Video of the Round-Table Discussion: “Teaching in English? Preconditions, Problems, Advantages“

Prof. Rüdiger Frank participated in the round table discussion “Teaching in English? Preconditions, Problems, Advantages“ which was part of the friday lecture series "Internationalization 'at Home'". The discussion took place on January 25, 2013, and was organized by the Center for Teaching and Learning/CTL in cooperation with the OeAD - Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research. 

Friday Lectures

ORF Interview on the Unification Movement with Dr. Lukas Pokorny (in German)

Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Movement who died last year, had announced the so-called Foundation Day for February 22nd, 2013. In this article, Dr. Lukas Pokorny, Bruce Fellowship Lecturer from the University of Aberdeen, explains the religious foundations of the Unification Movement. Click here to read the full article.

 

 

REMINDER: Info meeting on course registration

We kindly invite you to our Info meeting on course registration on Monday, February 25, 6pm in seminar room OAW. You can find this event also on Facebook.

This info meeting aims at answering open questions regarding our course offer, registration process and registration system. It is open for all EcoS students, but especially recommended for new EcoS students. Please also read our EcoS guideline for new Ecos students.

The Economist on North Korea's changing society with comments by Prof. Frank

Some remarks from Prof. Frank were cited in an article by The Economist on societal changes in North Korea. 

Read more...

Interview with Prof Rüdiger Frank on North Korea's recent nuclear test (in German)

 

Prof Rüdiger Frank was interviewed by the Austrian daily newspaper Wiener Zeitung on North Korea's intentions behind the recent nuclear test.

Read more...

Info meeting on course registration for all EcoS students

Information for NEW students is now available!

You can find everything about how to plan the first term, how to enroll in classes and more on our guideline for new EcoS Students here. Please note, information provided in the guideline is subject to change.  

Information for prospective students on registration, now available!

We provide important information for prospective students on registration for our Master's program here. Please note, the deadline for online registration is February 5th. 

Lecture "Intercultural Negotiation Patterns": Second Exam date out now!

Lecture "Intercultural Negotiation Patterns": Exam date out now!

The exam for the M4 lecture 'Intercultural Negotiation Patterns' (Ronald Mitterhofer) will take place on January 25, 1:15pm at Lecture Hall 32, University Main Buidling (Hörsaal 32). You can register for the exam between January 16 (10am) and January 24 (4pm) via univis.

Lecture on popular sovereignty in Thailand

The Institute of International Development holds a lecture on popular souvereignty in Thailand.

Place: Seminar room IE, Department of African Studies, Hof 5

Time: January 23, 4pm

Lecturer: Ralph Guth (project staff at the Institute of International Development)

Language: German

more information

Seminar "Transforming Taiwan: Social, political and cultural aspects" offered at our Department

The Department of East Asian Studies - Sinology together with Changjung Christian University, Tainan County, Taiwan will hold a master-level seminar in summer semester 2013. This seminar is eligible for EcoS module M4 (in the section 'additional courses / 4 ECTS').

Please find additional information on the seminar here

Visiting Professors from Taiwan at our Department

The Department of East Asian Studies is proud to announce that there will be two guest professors from Taiwan teaching at our Department.

Prof Carol Yeh-Yun LIN (Changjung Christian University in Tainan) in February 2013

and Prof YEN Liang-Kung (National Chengchi University in Taipeh) in May 2013

Both professors will participate in Taiwan-related seminars (in Chinese and English). The seminars are open for EcoS students and can be used for the module M4. More information on the seminars will be issued in due time. 

Furthermore, both professors will hold special lectures. Please see the annoncements (Prof Lin // Prof Yen) for more information.

Interview with Prof Rüdiger Frank on reports of 'radical reforms' in North Korea (in German)

Prof Rüdiger Frank was interviewed by the Austrian daily newspaper Der Standard on the reliability of western media reports concerning 'radical reforms' in North Korea. 

Read more...

Vienna Journal of East Asian Studies, Vol. 3 is NOW AVAILABLE!

The third volume of our publication Vienna Journal of East Asian Studies (editors: Rüdiger Frank, Ingrid Getreuer-Kargl, Lukas Pokorny and Agnes Schick-Chen) is now available! This volume contains articles by Elisabeth Gumpenberger, Marco Akira Klebel, Josef Falko Loher, Stephan Si-Hwan Park, Julia Ritirc and Marco Sostero.

The Vienna Journal of East Asian Studies is a joint project of the Department of East Asian Studies at the University of Vienna aiming to give our graduates the opportunity to show their results to a wider audience. Even more importantly, we want to provide their peers and the international academic community with access to the work of our young and hopeful researchers. The Journal also shows the diversity of research topics covered in East Asian Studies at the University of Vienna. Literature, society, culture, economy – all these fields are represented in our multidisciplinary approach to East Asia.

Overview and Abstracts // Contributors // Editing Team // Purchase at Praesens Verlag 

Round-Table Discussion: “Teaching in English? Preconditions, Problems, Advantages“

Prof Rüdiger Frank will participate in the round table discussion “Teaching in English? Preconditions, Problems, Advantages“ which is part of the friday lecture series "Internationalization 'at Home'". The discussion will take place on January 25, 2013, between 1pm and 2:30pm at the OeAD lecture hall (ground floor), Ebendorferstraße 7, 1010 Vienna 

folder /// announcement

EcoS News Archive

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• Archive 2010

Prof. Frank: Tue., 2pm - 4pm

Mr Riedl: Wed., 3pm - 5pm

Student Representatives: Tue., 2pm - 3pm

During lecture free time, office hours are held upon prior appointment by eMail only.