Christian Patz spoke about Wilhelm Hasbach, a political scientist of the early 20^th century. In the light of Hasbach´s rather critical stance towards parliamentary democracy, he raised the provocative question of whether one needs to be a democrat in order to be a political scientist. The comprehensive reception of the title “Gemeinschaft und Gesellschaft” by Ferdinand Tönnies, written in the 1920s at the Kiel Institute of World Economy and Maritime Transport, was dealt with by Alexander Wierzock as a precursor to Political Science at Kiel University. In her presentation, Birte Meinschien took a closer look at the appointment of Michael Freund to Kiel and at the establishment of the chair for “Science and History of Politics” (“Wissenschaft und Geschichte der Politik”).

All of the presentations were commented by Professor Hubertus Buchstein (Greifswald University) and Privatdozent Cord Arendes (Heidelberg University). Contributions by contemporary witnesses complemented the students´ presentations. The second panel dealt with the tension between Political Science and political practice and was attended by the politicians Dr. Hans-Peter Bartels (Member of the Bundestag) and Dr. Axel Bernstein (Member of the Landtag). The Department of Political Science was represented by Professor Joachim Krause and Professor Christian Martin, Professor Tine Stein was responsible for the moderation.

During this panel discussion it became clear that there is a whole range of challenges to Political Science in theory and practice. In this respect, Bernstein and Bartels called upon the Political Sciences to present definite and relevant research results for the problems in state and society. Both pointed to positive experiences concerning “Think-Tanks” and other institutions in which Science and Politics work together and they called upon students to get involved in political party organizations. Professor Martin added, on a rather critical note, that the practical orientation of Political Science must not happen at the expense of basic research.

On the contrary, the university should provide a space that allows research that is free of any interests. Professor Krause presented an alternative, more “pragmatic” understanding of Political Science that combines theory and practice, for example, in institutions of policy consultancy. This refreshingly open debate was enriched by numerous contributions of the guests. Professor Stein concluded the symposium announcing that in the future, further events will be held in order to enable a systematic exchange between Political Science and political practice.