T-IES Winter School 2027

Instructors: Lana Balorda
Language of instruction: English
Contact hours: 40 (plus field trip and exam)

Course Description

The course delves into the political processes entailed in remembering and forgetting, introduces students to the commemorative landscape of the EU and explores possible solutions to the challenges facing European collective memory or what could be called Europe's culture of remembrance. Sessions will deal with what makes us remember some things while other facets of our lives and historical events are supressed or hard to recollect. How does what we remember (and what we - choose to - forget) structure the reality that we live in - symbolically, physically, and politically? How is the past used (or abused) to serve the present needs of individuals and collectives in Europe today, where different concepts of identity oftentimes clash with the reality of cosmopolitan communities that are both ethnically and culturally diverse.

Course: “Europe as a Memoryland: Selective Memory and Place-Making Practices” (Lana Balorda)

Instructors: Dr. Germana Favognano-Bihr
Language of instruction: English
Contact hours: 40 (plus field trips and exam)

Course description

The past years have seen the EU facing a lot of criticism from various sides and a plethora of challenges threaten the community - internally and externally - and what held its societies together for a long time. In this program, students examine the fundamental notions at the heart of what Europe stands for: pluralism, democracy, subsidiarity, and the rule of law. Furthermore, courses cover the current challenges Europe and the EU face today: the rise of nationalism; political fragmentation and radicalization; migration, religion and questions of identity and war.

Course: “The Struggle for Human Rights in Europe” (Dr. Germana Favognano)
 

Instructors: Matthias Stoll
Language of instruction: English
Contact hours: 40 (plus field trip and exam)

Course Description

Against the backdrop of the increasing threat that various environmental hazards pose to modern societies, this study track’s courses deal with two main questions: what constitutes good societies and their healthy relationship with the environment (with nature) in Europe in the 21st century and how can we protect our communities from breaking apart due to increasing environmental pressure? Classes introduce concepts and ideas that can inspire civic engagement at the local level, using beekeeping and the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems as case studies. Discussions will focus on how to achieve different forms of more sustainable and inclusive relationships that bolster both strong human communities and a better climate.

Course: “Sustaining the Source: Ecology, Water, and Sustainability” (Dr. Matthias Stoll)
 

Instructors: tba
Language of instruction: German
Contact hours: 16

Course description

The Winter School includes German language courses on the proficiency levels A1-A2. 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.

Students with a level higher than A2 are also welcome to apply. Please contact the T-IES team after your application to discuss possible participation in the German course or alternatives.

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.

Instructors: tba
Language of instruction: English
Contact hours: 2.5

Course Description

This interactive workshop provides participants with an introduction to intercultural learning and communication in an international environment. Together, we will explore the concept of culture and examine how cultural backgrounds can influence perceptions, values, communication styles, and everyday interactions.

Through group activities and discussions, participants will have the opportunity to get to know each other, share experiences, and build connections within the group. The workshop encourages participants to reflect on cultural similarities and differences in a constructive and open-minded way.

In addition, participants will learn practical methods and reflection tools to help them better understand and process their intercultural experiences in Germany. The workshop aims to foster self-awareness, empathy, and intercultural competence, supporting participants in navigating life and study in an international context.