T-IES July 2025

Academic Program

The T-IES Summer School July is developed and carried out in cooperation with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). The program comprises two subject courses, a German language course and an intercultural workshop that prepares participants for the very diverse setting in which all classes take place.

Full program schedule (printable PDF)

Subject courses

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.

This course will also include a weekend excursion to Berlin.

Language and culture

German Language Courses

Instructors: N.N.
Language of instruction: German
Contact hours: Tba.

Course description

The Summer School includes German language courses on different proficiency levels. Participation in the German language course is compulsory. The level of the language courses will depend on students' needs. Through an intercultural and communicative approach students will be actively involved in class to encourage language learning. The focus will be on speaking and listening to improve students' language competence in everyday situations.

Syllabi

Tba.

Self-assessment

Within the application form you will be asked to evaluate your German language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The European framework of reference distinguishes between six different reference levels of knowledge from the elementary use of language (A1) to the autonomous language ability (C2). On all reference levels “can-do” descriptors indicate what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level. For further details on the six levels see the following document: CEFR.

Intercultural Competence

Intercultural Workshop

Instructor: N.N.

Language of instruction: English

Contact hours: 4

Course Description

In the intercultural workshop at the beginning of the program, students have the opportunity to get to know each other and exchange their intercultural experiences as well as expectations. The workshop offers an introduction to intercultural communication and the opportunity to reflect on the stay abroad.

Buddy Program

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 Buddy Program aims to initiate a cultural exchange between international students and the Tübingen students, to expand one’s own cultural horizon, as well as the strengthening of intercultural skills and competences. The Buddy Program will allow you to get to know German student life first-hand and to make friends.

German Language Courses

Intercultural Competence

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