This summer school is a collaboration between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and the University of Tübingen. The course is taught by UNC faculty. Guest speakers from the University of Tübingen complement the program.
In addition to the course, the program offers a buddy program which matches each participant with local students who offer support throughout the summer school (and before), and a rich and varied social program that offers many opportunities to experience local and student life in one of Germany’s most historical university towns.
Many of us have heard the phrase “knowledge is power.” The moto is said to have originated with Francis Bacon, a philosopher from the 16th and early 17th centuries famous for creating the scientific method. Thomas Jefferson was also fond of the concept, using it to underscore the idea that an informed citizenry is crucial for the success and stability of a democratic society. But what if we thought about the relationship between knowledge and power differently? In this class, we will explore how those in power create knowledge and understand how what counts as knowledge is used to maintain their political position. By learning sociological frameworks to question knowledge and reality, this class will then use that theory to study applied cases of weaponized knowledge throughout history in the United States and Germany. As students learn foundational concepts and visit museums related to the subject matter, they will develop an array of communication strategies for distinct situations and specific audiences. In doing so, this course can fulfill both the “Ways of Knowing” and “Communication Beyond Carolina” IDEAs requirements.
This course will also include a weekend excursion to Berlin to visit the Stasi Museum and the Topography of Terror Documentation Center. Museum entry will need to be built into the tuition, however – students should be made aware of this extra expense before enrolling (flights to Berlin, hotel accommodations for two nights, per diem expenses, etc.)
The summer school is open for 12 students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and 12 students from other universities. The course is designed for undergraduate students from all academic disciplines with a strong general interest in cultures, Europe and Germany in particular. Preference is given to applicants from a partner university.
A very good command of English and the willingness to actively participate during course activities are required.
Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Max. participants: 24
Please note: Participants in the Summer School will not be enrolled as students of the University of Tübingen.
To support you during your stay in Tübingen and to promote an intercultural exchange we have set up a Buddy Program in which a student of the University of Tübingen teams up with a T-IES participant.
The social program includes cultural activities as well as social gatherings such as a welcome and farewell reception, an intercultural evening, and making pretzels.
You will get the chance to experience German culture, explore Tübingen and its surroundings - a perfect chance get to know your classmates and Tübingen students better and have fun together.
