Hessen Int. Summer University (ISU) Marburg: Germany and Europe in a Turbulent World

Academic Program

Germany and Europe in a Turbulent World - History, Politics, Society, and Culture

Today’s world is characterized by crisis, tension and conflict. Germany and the European Union are not unaffected by these dynamics. New political antagonisms have emerged since the end of the Cold War. European Integration, successful for many years, is facing great challenges not only because of BREXIT but also due to migration and international terrorism. Right wing populism and authoritarianism seem on the rise again, and the dynamics of the Corona pandemic have already left their marks both in national societies and international relations. What all this implies for politics and society in Germany and Europe will be the central topic of this years program. By focusing on selected topics, the International Summer University will deepen the understanding of current developments and conflicts in a historical context and will also look into possibilities of overcoming such conflicts. You will be able to select two academic seminars, take German language course, choose a supplement course and join our excursions to destinations in Germany. 

We are proud to offer you a unique experience and program. The International Summer University gives you an amazing opportunity to dive into German culture and experience University life in Marburg for four weeks, while enhancing your knowledge on politics, history and international relations. There will be no room for loneliness or boredom, but instead loads of wonderful opportunities to make new friends and getting to know more about Hessen, Germany and Europe.

Seminars and field trips

ISU seminars take place following the German language course from 11.30 am – 01.00 pm (nine sessions per seminar). Each course is comprised of 18 hours (in class) plus study time for homework, etc.

Additionally, in order to receive the full amount of ECTS points for the academic thematic module, you are required to participate in evening events and in the mandatory weekend excursions. Please note, that the three-day excursion and one of the other trips is obligatory. If you wish, you can of course also participate in all excursions.

Seminars 2024

Week 1&2 

• History
• Politics
• Society
• Culture

Week 3&4 

• History
• Politics
• Culture

Supplement Course

The supplement course "German Politics and History" will provide additional insight into the topics discussed in the main seminars. The workload of the supplement course will count towards the total ECTS - the attendance of the supplement course is obligatory.

Two courses will be offered, from which you may choose one, depending on your individual schedule. One course will be offered in week 1&2 and the other in week 3&4. Each course consists of 18 class room hours and takes place from 02.15 pm – 3.45 pm.

The objective of this course is to provide an overview of German culture, history and politics and thereby allowing the students to gain a better understanding of Germany today. Participants will learn to trace contemporary cultural and political phenomena in key historical moments as well as learn about basics like the political system. This will help them to understand current developments and debates in Germany and in Europe and provide further background regarding the main topic of the ISU.

Field Trips

The field trips are an important and exciting part of the program. They count towards your total ECTS credits (see above) while they are also a great chance to get to know more about Germany as well as the European Union. All trips take place on the weekends. The trip to Weimar is a two-day excursion including a night in a hostel. All costs for the trips (travel, accommodation including breakfast and program) are included in the program fee (except personal expenses). See further information in the FAQs. Please read those information carefully
Please note, that the trips are subject to change due to the ongoing Corona pandemic. 

• Inhalt ausklappen Field Trip Frankfurt
• Inhalt ausklappen Field Trip Kassel
• Inhalt ausklappen Field Trip Weimar

We want those trips to be a pleasant experience for all the participants and the ISU team. Therefore please always read the schedule and provided information on the destination beforehand and be in time for all appointments, to not make your fellow students wait unnecessarily.

* After you successfully completed your application you will receive a Philipps-Universität Marburg students account. With this account you will be able to log into the online learning platform Ilias in June. There you can access some of the readings for your seminar before you arrive.