Introduction

The event will be comprised of a series of lectures, as well as practical exercises, including debates, a panel discussion, workshops, and excursions. It will confront the participants with interdisciplinary approaches to European culture of the sacred, addressing its history as well as its past, present and future influence on Europe.

You can find reading materials available for download at the Bonn University website. Concepts and phenotypes of the sacred in the anthroposphere are not just an episode, but an essential experience of humanity. On the one hand, the interplay between the sacred and the profane in the contemporary architecture is striking: shopping malls or sporting arenas refer to the symbolic sphere which was previously a hallmark of the religious edifices; on the other, the interdependence of the profane and sacred spaces, for example churches transformed into museums and youth clubs or motorway-chapels (Autobahnkirchen), modifies the meaning of the sacred.

Secularisation, recurrence of religiosity, globalisation and the clash of cultures we face in Europe today make the topic of sacred buildings in the modern city an important pillar when approaching present and future concepts of European identity. We will provide an interdisciplinary (architecture, art history, philosophy, theology, political sciences, sociology, urban planning and law) perspective on the sacred and address the international context and national differences one confronts when approaching the subject. We wish to provoke a discussion on the dialogue of the three big monotheistic religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam – to pose the question of their peaceful coexistence in the European multicultural framework.

The region Bonn/Cologne is an urban area of vibrant multicultural flair. It is ideally suited to explore the topic not only theoretically, but also by experiencing the places of the sacred. Our excursions to two world cultural heritage objects: the Aachen Cathedral and the Cologne Cathedral give an exquisite chance to get the impression of glorious sacred architecture. In addition, we offer a unique possibility to admire a bird’s eye perspective on Cologne from the Cathedral roofs. There will be a chance to experience the atmosphere of the sacred through music and art along the way.

Some on themes that will be explored are:

* Sacred Topography in a Secular City

* The Art and Architecture of the Sacred

* Mosques, Synagogues, and Temples: has the sacred topography become globalised in European cities?

* Christians, Jews and Muslims: Is Europe heading for a multicultural and multi-religious project?

* The phenomenon of secularisation – Historical and present perspectives

The working language will be English.

The Europaeum will provide participants with lodgings in Bonn, if needed, for five nights.

Fees

Participation at the Summer School is free for Europaeum institution students, however, participants are expected to cover their own travel costs.

Requirements

The event is aimed at students with backgrounds in History, Art History, Theology, Comparative Religions, Town Planning, Urban Development, Conservation, Politics, Law, and Sociology.

Application Procedure

1) Short CV (not more than two pages)
2) Short letter of application (one to two pages)
3) Brief letter of academic reference (not more than one page)

All materials should be sent by mail to your university's Europaeum representative:

Bonn:
Oxford:
Leiden:
Bologna:
HEI:
Paris I:
Prague:
Madrid:
Helsinki:
Krakow:

The deadline for applications has been extended to September 5th 2008. Only 5 places remain, please send applications asap to be considered.

For further information, please contact Professor Wolfram Kinzig at .

Alternatively, you may contact the the Europaeum Secretariat at:

The Europaeum
99 Banbury Road - Oxford OX2 6JX
Tel. +44 (0) 1865 284482
Fax + 44 (0) 1865 284481
e-mail:

View from the Cologne Cathedral