University of Graz International Summer School in Seggau

Radical Definitions: State – Society – Religion

Definitions of concepts such as state, society, and religion have been non-contested pillars of the “European project” with its optimism and belief that the challenges of our times can be met with a self-confident declaration of common values. However, contention concerning the European project with its goal of stronger and cohesive economies, politically stable institutions, and multicultural societies supportive of religious expressions and generally resistant to exclusion, has diminished the faith in common European values.

Instead of cohesion and communality, a re-negotiation of definitions of state, society, and religion is taking place, sometimes simply by popular vote and political maneuvering, as the Brexit example shows. Feelings of fatigue, despondency, and resignation have replaced the upbeat definition of Europe, and consequently put into question the very foundations of the European Union. Instead of greater economic, political integration, and open border policies, individual states are reclaiming the rhetoric of national identity and national self-interest.

Faced with unprecedented demographic changes and national and international challenges, political decisions need to be based on radical definitions in order to accept the responsibility of the power to describe, explain, and understand the ambivalences of the terms used. The topic of “State – Society – Religion” in juxtaposition with radical definitions thus offers an in-depth analysis in a world of vagueness and babble, and validates intellectual endeavors as a radical commitment to academic and political engagement. This engagement is, however, not abstract, but very concrete in its re-definition of state, society, and religion. Such negotiations lead to an understanding of the dynamics and structures that govern our societies and us as individuals. Facts and figures are then comprehended as cultural representations of material and social realities.

The radical nature of these definitions lies in the fact that the summer school will provide more questions than answers, and will allow us to investigate the different approaches to the definitions of state, society, and religion and their interconnectedness. Focusing on the emphasis areas of the University of Graz – South Eastern Europe and North, Central and South America – this will provide a basis for an interdisciplinary analysis in terms of opportunities provided and challenges we have been facing in the past, preparing us for the present and future.

TARGET GROUP

The Graz International Summer School Seggau is designed for internationally oriented, highly motivated students from all disciplines, who wish to deepen their understanding of current European and international affairs by studying and discussing global developments and challenges within the context of transformation processes and demographic change reflecting aspects of individual, social, political, religious, cultural, literary, regional, economic, cohort and national identities.

PROJECT ORGANISATION

The University of Graz organizes the summer school in cooperation with the Commission of the Bishops‘ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) and the Diocese Graz-Seckau. The Office of International Relations of the University of Graz acts as the coordinating unit. Prof. Roberta Maierhofer (Center for Inter-American Studies) is the academic director.

Summer School Director: Roberta Maierhofer, Center for Inter-American Studies

• Representative of the Diocese Graz-Seckau: Peter Rosegger
• Representative of the Comece: Michael Kuhn
• Contact at the University of Graz: Eva-Maria Trinkaus and Ulrike Grassberger (teachers and students)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

• Interdisciplinary co-operation of teachers and students on the cultural, intellectual and historical dimensions of current European and International affairs in view of their positioning in a globalized world.
• Presentation in research and teaching of focus areas of the University of Graz – South Eastern Europe and North, Central and South America.
• Development and education of young leaders of tomorrow in the fields of politics, administration, business, science, culture and religion.

VENUE: SEGGAU CASTLE (AUSTRIA)

The venue of the summer school is ‘Seggau Castle’ located 45 km south of Graz, Austria.

NOTE: GEO works to provide the most accurate academic information for each program, but please confirm on the host institution website. This is particularly important for program dates, as study abroad students may be asked to arrive early for orientation, language immersion, or other activities.