Summer school 2026

Theory and theorization in your thesis

The RVS Summer school 2026 is all about the role of theory in empirical research: What is ‘theory’? How are theoretical perspectives and empirical material related within various research traditions & research logics? What is the role of theory in the different phases of thesis writing? How to move from “using a theory” to “theorizing” in empirical work? – And all other questions you may have about theory in your project.

As always, an RVS course is:

a mix of lectures, groups, and informal fellowship during meals and leisure time,
built around the participants’ short papers,
not only about what lecturers say, but also what the participants bring to the table.

Where?

The RVS Summer school is held at Metochi Study Center, Lesbos, Greece. The centre is run by University of Agder, and RVS has held its summer school here since 2009 - with the exception of two Covid years.

Metochi is a very nice place, that many RVS members love and long to come back to! The buildings and courtyard are welcoming and peaceful, and it is situated in beautiful surroundings, a short bicycle trip to the sea. And the food is great, short traveled Greek cuisine!

Important information about Metochi and about summer temperatures

Please note two important factors:

Metochi holds a fairly simple standard, with toilets/showers in the corridor and no air condition in the sleeping rooms.
The month of August can be very hot, often between 35 and 40 C at the warmest during the day.

When?

August 23 - 30.

Travel

We travel as a group with Apollo/SAS charter.

NB! Please note the early departure from Oslo on Sunday. You need to be at the airport 4:00 AM, so either book a hotel room at/near the airport, or prebook a taxi from Oslo.

Fee

If you live near Oslo, you pay NOK 12 000,-, which includes international flights, all travel at Lesbos, all meals except one lunch (during an excursion).
If you need to travel to Oslo (e.g., from Stockholm, Aarhus, Stavanger, Trondheim or Kristiansand) we subsidize the fee and you pay NOK 11 000,-.

Registration deadline April 1

Link for registration will be published in Canvas in the near future.