Individuality – Community – Society

13th Weimar Summer Courses from 11 – 25 August 2012

To understand the ambivalent nature of German culture, there is no better place to start than in Weimar. The mythical reputation of the town of Weimar can be traced to the writers and poets of Weimar’s Classicist Period, to composers such as Bach and Liszt, to philosophers such as Nietzsche or to the Bauhaus. At the same time, its name is inextricably linked with the excesses of totalitarianism and the concentration camps in Buchenwald. As the birthplace of new ideas and the site of radical upheavals – both political as well as aesthetic – Weimar is an ideal learning environment in which, together with around 70 other young people from some 25 countries, to discuss the pressing issues of the day, to share 14 days together, to explore beyond cultural and disciplinary boundaries, and to broaden one’s horizon.
The 13th Weimar Summer Courses focus on the tension between individuality, community and society. How can historical texts and debates help us tackle the profound changes in society that we are experiencing today and will face in the future? What significance do families, circles of friends and social networks have in an age of increasing uncertainty?
 
According to your interests, you can choose between six courses each with a different focus: literature, philosophy, cultural history, art and aesthetics and cultural studies. You will be supervised and instructed by experienced course tutors from Weimar, Berlin, Bochum, Dresden and Oxford, whose breadth of knowledge and background is as varied as that of your fellow participants. The course is conducted in German and students will be expected to have a good command of the language.  

Look forward to Weimar. We look forward to seeing you!