This summer programme is run by the HWR Berlin School of Economics and Law, a public university of applied sciences, situated in the heart of Berlin. HWR Berlin is one of the largest academic institutions for business and management studies in Germany with a very international focus.

This summer programme offers business and economics students alike the chance to address questions of markets and management in Europe in detail. This course explores themes such as intercultural manage-ment, marketing, and economics in order to investigate European business and its interaction with the rest of the world. Students will develop an understanding of the value of cross-cultural/diversity management and its associated concepts, benefits and pitfalls. The topics are:

• Cross-Cultural Management
• Economics of the European Union
• Marketing for the Automotive Industry

Field trips to companies and institutions enable students to combine theory and practice. The module "German Culture & Society: Intercultural Perspectives" allows students to contemplate and highlight the differences and similarities between the students’ home cultures and their host culture. Participants can also look forward to an exciting and diverse culture and leisure time programme.

Targeted to business and economics students after two years of study (Bachelor). The programme is open to graduate students and recent graduates as well. Proof of English proficiency is required for non-native speakers.

This summer programme is run by the HWR Berlin School of Economics and Law, a public university of applied sciences, situated in the heart of Berlin. HWR Berlin is one of the largest academic institutions for business and management studies in Germany with a very international focus.

This summer programme offers business and economics students alike the chance to undertake a demanding, in-depth study of the EU. The classes provide an insight into the structures and trends that influence European business and economics today. Over the course of four modules students will explore the European Union via the themes of politics, intercultural management, marketing and economics The topics are:

• Values and Politics of the European Union
• Cross-Cultural Management
• Economics of the European Union
• Digital Transformation of the Automotive Industry

Field trips to companies and institutions enable students to combine theory and practice. The module "German Culture & Society: Intercultural Perspectives" allows students to contemplate and highlight the differences and similarities between the students’ home cultures and their host culture. Participants can also look forward to an exciting and diverse culture and leisure time programme.

Upper undergraduate students of business and economics (after two years of study) or graduates with good standing. Proof of English proficiency is required for non-native speakers.

This summer programme is run by the HWR Berlin School of Economics and Law, a public university of applied sciences, situated in the heart of Berlin. HWR Berlin is one of the largest academic institutions for business and management studies in Germany with a very international focus.

This business law programme addresses the efforts to unite Europe in the past and take a closer look at the European Integration process. It gives insight into European Governance by dealing with competences of and decision-making by the European Council, the Council of Ministers, the European Commission, and the European Parliament. It will deal with protection of interests of creditors, shareholders, and stakeholders and discuss the attempts of the EU to harmonise national corporate laws. Another focus will be on international labour standards and EU law as well as on European human rights as the basis for corporate employment law. The topics are:

• European Governance
• Human Rights and Labour in the EU
• EU Corporate and Competition Law

Field trips to companies and institutions enable students to combine theory and practice. The module "German Culture & Society: Intercultural Perspectives" allows students to contemplate and highlight the differences and similarities between the students’ home cultures and their host culture. Participants can also look forward to an exciting and diverse culture and leisure time programme.

Targeted to business and law students after two years of study (Bachelor). The programme is open to graduate students and recent graduates as well. Proof of English proficiency is required for non-native speakers.

This summer programme is run by the HWR Berlin School of Economics and Law, a public university of applied sciences, situated in the heart of Berlin. HWR Berlin is one of the largest academic institutions for business and management studies in Germany with a very international focus.

This programme offers a unique blend of business, politics and culture, providing business and economics students the opportunity to undertake a demanding, in-depth study of the European Union and its evolving role within today’s world.

During this course students will gain an insight into the conditions under which European firms operate in a globalised world. They will assess the interrelationships between firms and macroeconomic processes and will discover the impact on the natural environment and human living conditions. Students will explore the challenges posed by the different political cultures within the EU and their impli-cations for further political integration. Students will also become aware of the various types of conflict between global actors and will better understand their causes and potential solutions. The topics are:

• The EU – A Dynamic Economy
• Global Challenges for European Firms
• The EU – Chances and Challenges for Political Integration
• Human Costs of Global Markets: The European Perspective

Field trips to companies and institutions enable students to combine theory and practice. The module "German Culture & Society: Intercultural Perspectives" allows students to contemplate and highlight the differences and similarities between the students’ home cultures and their host culture. Participants can also look forward to an exciting and diverse culture and leisure time programme.

Upper undergraduate students of business, economics or political science (after two years of study) or graduates with good standing. Proof of English proficiency is required for non-native speakers.

This summer programme is run by the HWR Berlin School of Economics and Law, a public university of applied sciences, situated in the heart of Berlin. HWR Berlin is one of the largest academic institutions for business and management studies in Germany with a very international focus.

The academic content of this course is specifically focused on entrepreneurship, innovation management and the German startup scene with a focus on Berlin as a model European start-up capital. The programme offers students a strong grounding in how to start and grow a business in a dynamic marketplace. They will write a business plan and present a pitch deck. Classes will focus on the application of models and tools of innovation & technology management, as well as introduce intellectual property rights and venture capital financing. In a workshop, students will work with / for startups in a pre-defined project. Its topics are:

• Entrepreneurship in Berlin
• Innovation Management
• Berlin Startup Safari – workshop with startups

Field trips to companies enable students to combine theory and practice. The module "German Culture & Society: Intercultural Perspectives" allows students to contemplate and highlight the differences and similarities between the students’ home cultures and their host culture. Participants can also look forward to an exciting and diverse culture and leisure time programme.

Advanced undergraduate or graduate students of all fields. Applicants will be asked to hand in a motivation letter (one page) along with the application. A proof of English proficiency is required for non-native speakers.

This summer programme is run by the HWR Berlin School of Economics and Law, a public university of applied sciences, situated in the heart of Berlin. HWR Berlin is one of the largest academic institutions for business and management studies in Germany with a very international focus.

The language courses combine intensive language classes with a taste of culture and history of Berlin / Germany. Two levels are offered:

• Absolute Beginners
• Advanced Beginners (after 1- 2 semesters of German)

Both courses cover general language skills, core grammatical structures, basic vocabulary, and knowledge about German culture and living. A special focus will be on communication and pronunciation (“tongue twister”).  The module "German Culture & Society: Intercultural Perspectives" allows students to contemplate and highlight the differences and similarities between the students’ home cultures and their host culture. A concert or opera performance is one of the highlights. Participants can also look forward to an exciting and diverse culture and leisure time programme.

We welcome all above 18 years of age with an interest in learning German language and in getting to know German culture & society.

Hosted in the fully-equipped laboratory of the 3D Lab of the TU Berlin, this four-week course offers introduction to working with professional 3D printing technologies such as laser sintering with polyamide and powder printing with mineral powder (modified gypsum). This course is aimed at those with an interest in 3D scanning and printing technologies and methods, and who want to gain insight into work with professional 3D printing technologies and learn about current applications. As this technology covers numerous application areas, this course could be interesting for participants from diverse scientific disciplines, engineering, design, fine art or art history. 

The course provides an introduction to manufacturing 3D printed objects with the laser sintering system and the powder printer of the 3D Lab, as well as data generation and data preparation for it. Participants will gain basic knowledge of the use of two professional 3D printing technologies, structured light scanners and related software.

The general prerequisites of the TU Berlin Summer University are as follows: at least one year of university experience + English level B2 or equivalent.

A specific requirement of the course is at a minimum, a basic knowledge of CAD software - participants must be able to handle 3D-construction or 3D-modelling software is. It is recommended that students use their own laptops for processing their own 3D files with the software they are familiar with.

What to bring to the course:

• A laptop, preferably Windows

• The program GOM inspect (http://www.gom.com/3d-software/gom-inspect/download.html)

This program will be used to check the 3D scanned data, to repair them. Unfortunately this program is made for Windows only.

•The program Blender (https://www.blender.org/download/)

This program will be used to create objects from scratch. If you already own (and master) another 3D program already – perfect.

•The program VisualSFM (http://ccwu.me/vsfm/)

This program will be used to make object photos into a 3D object.

•The program CloudCompare (http://www.danielgm.net/cc/)

This program will be used to clean up 3D objects made with VisualSFM.

•The program ZPrint (http://infocenter.3dsystems.com/product-library/z-printer/zprinter-software)

This program is associated with one of our 3D printers and will be used to preview your objects. If this program sees errors in the 3D file, then you have to go back to the construction program.

•An object you would like to scan.

•A camera (not essential)

Goals

• To learn the theory and some practices in manufacturing 3D printed objects with the laser sintering system and the powder printer of the 3D Lab
• Data generation and preparation for these technologies.
• Knowledge of the use of two professional 3D printing technologies, structured light scanners and related software.

Syllabus

You can find the syllabus for this course HERE.

You may find the syllabus useful when discussing with your home University whether the ECTS credits attainable for this course are accepted by them.

Course components

The course starts with an introduction to the technologies used at the 3D Lab and selected projects from its portfolio, to give participants an impression of the various possible uses of 3D technologies. Ongoing course lectures will be accompanied by detailed practical units focusing on the use of the machines and the preparation of printable objects. Specifically, the practical training will develop student’s skills in the use of structured light scanners, 3D printing technologies, and in meeting the geometrical requirements for successful 3D prints.

Lecturer

Prof. Dr. Hartmut Schwandt

Meisterschüler Joachim Weinhold

3D Labor, Institut für Mathematik, TU Berlin

Please direct questions about the course to the TU Berlin Summer University Team at: summeruniversity(at)tubs.de. We will answer your questions and direct specific queries regarding course content to the course lecturers where necessary.

Registration

>>CLICK HERE TO REGISTER <<

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This course is designed for those who want to look into the field of computer science. Working at the computer, participants will learn basic knowledge of computer programming and how to write computer programs themselves using the programming language Java. Assignments will give more understanding of the programming concepts and field trips will enhance knowledge of the history and applications of programming, in the setting of Berlin. 

Watch the Programming in Java YouTube video!

The general prerequisites of the TU Berlin Summer & Winter University are that candidates have B2 level English and at least one year of university experience.

In addition, the Java course requires that you have basic computer skills and knowledge of high-school level mathematics. The maths skills you need include: how to calculate with complex numbers, how to calculate with matrices, how to handle planes and lines.

It is also desirable for you to know some basic Linux commands (but they will be also introduced in the course).

Goals

After this course, participants will be able to understand basic concepts of writing a computer program with Java.

Syllabus

The syllabus for the course will be uploaded soon. Check out last year's syllabus HERE.

You may find the syllabus useful when discussing with your home University whether the ECTS credits attainable for this course are accepted by them.

Course components

Topics like variables, loops, objects, input and output, user interfaces, collections, sorting, concurrent programming and event-driven programming will be covered.

Topic list

Variables and Types of Data, Loops and Conditions, Arrays, Methods, Classes and Objects, Object inheritance, Collections, Creating and Designing Data Types, Sorting and Searching, Graphics, Input and Output

Lecturer

Dipl.-Inf. Christian Grümme

Christian is an academic associate of TU Berlin’s innoCampus; a center which supports all faculties of TU Berlin with expertise in information technology and e-learning. He regularly teaches Java and LaTeX programming to degree program students at the TU Berlin. He has also been a freelance software developer and IT advisor since 2011. 

Registration

>>CLICK HERE TO REGISTER <<

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Welcome to the Berlin Summer University of the Arts! Every summer since 2012, we’ve been opening our doors for workshops across the range of disciplines: Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Design, Music, Creative Entrepreneurship, Arts Management, and interdisciplinary courses. All that in the heart of Germany’s biggest and most inspiring city!

A team of passionate teachers and coaches offers a supportive environment where you can challenge yourself in creative expression and critical thinking, find your artistic voice and visual language, bring your ideas to life, share them with like-minded people, and build up a professional network. 

Join us in Berlin and meet artists and creatives from around the globe. Get inspired by the unique atmosphere, explore your interests and dive into the creativity at one of the biggest and most multi-faceted art universities in Europe.

The new program will be announced in December 2019. Sign up for our newsletter to stay tuned!

For details please check out our FAQs or contact us at summer-courses@udk.berlin.de

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is about creating algorithms to perform tasks in a way that we believe is intelligent. Modern AI algorithms play games (e.g. chess), prove theorems (e.g. verification), discover patterns in data (e.g. explanations), analyze complex sequences (e.g. DNA), make ``life or death’’ decisions (e.g. matching organs to patients), optimize distributions (e.g. food, refugees, housings), drive cars (e.g. Tesla), play soccer, etc. 

Many of these AI applications use a number of introductory algorithms and techniques, some of which are covered in the course. Examples of such preliminary methods are Depth-First Search, Breadth-First Search, Minimax Search, Tree Pruning, Backtracking Search, Simulated Annealing, Graph Plan, Decision Tree Learning and Perceptron Learning. Thus, students who complete the course will have an understanding of some of the fundamental methods and basic algorithms of AI.

The general prerequisites of the TU Berlin Summer & Winter University are that candidates have B2 level English and at least one year of university experience.

In addition, the following requirements are mandatory for this course:

1. Basic skills: C++ or Java or PHP or Prolog

2. Basic skills: LaTeX (a type setting system) or Word skills

3. Knowledge: some of the basic AI algorithms, mathematics.

4. Eagerness to learn new programming tools.

5. Eagerness to learn new abstract algorithms.

Students with elementary knowledge in AI and mathematics are strongly encouraged to apply. In order to decide their eligibility, students are welcomed to check out the course syllabus for a more detailed description of the course components. Accepted students are also encouraged to ask questions and be active in classes. ics.

Goals

The primary goal of this course is that students gain an understanding of some of the fundamental methods and algorithms of AI, and an appreciation of how they can be applied to interesting practical problems, via a number of toy examples. The secondary goal of the course is that students learn how to conduct independently research, developing solutions to simple project tasks.

Syllabus

You can find the syllabus for this course HERE. 

The "Berlin/Culture" time slots are reserved for the cultural activities included in the tuition fee, as well as for the additional tours and trips that we offer.

These activities are of course completely optional, should you want to use the time to explore the city by yourself, catch up on homework, or relax. You may find the syllabus useful when discussing with your home University whether the ECTS credits attainable for this course are accepted by them.

Course components

This course has three components: lecture, tutorial and project classes. The lectures will introduce selected basic topics such as search, game playing, decision making, planning, machine learning and probabilistic reasoning and resource allocation (i.e. social choice). The tutorials will allow students to apply algorithms on simple "toy" examples. The projects will provide to the students the opportunity to develop a small solution in some area of AI: social choice, fair division, learning, planning, theorem proving, etc.

The course addresses the following topics:

• What is Virtual Reality and Exergaming (exercise gaming)?
• How can Virtual Reality be connected with sports?
• Understanding benefits and limitations of VR environments
• Introduction to programing for Virtual Reality with Unity
• Workshop in designing, prototyping, and developing for one small Exergame in VR
• Perform a usability test and use the gathered result during the development

The general prerequisites of the TU Berlin Summer University are the following: at least one year of university experience + English level B2 or equivalent.

Goals

The course aims at:

• Explaining what Virtual Reality is, history of how and why it was developed, and the potential future use of it
• Defining exercise gaming, and showing benefits of the connection with Virtual Reality
• Teaching how to develop first Virtual Reality game with Unity
• Providing a practical workshop by creating a use case design, a game scenario and by prototyping and developing the first game itself
• Performing a usability test and teaching how to analyze/incorporate the results into a next app version

Syllabus

Please find the syllabus for this course HERE.

Course components

The course is structured as follows:

Week 1: Lectures, discussions, and field work

The first week is focused on building foundations. Students will learn about virtual reality and exercise gaming in general. In the end of the first week student will be able to present a first concept for the own app.

Week 2: Developing own Exergame for Virtual Reality

In the second week students will develop their own first Virtual Reality app (used software is mainly Unity and Unreal Engine). This step will include the software setup and possible connection to hardware components.

Week 3: Evaluation of first app version

In the third week students will invite potential users of the app to the lab and perform usability evaluations. After the week students will be able to analyze and utilize the collected user feedback.

Week 4: Development and presentation of final Virtual Reality Exergame

In the fourth week students will incorporate the collected feedback from the users and develop the final version of their Exergame. The final results will be presented.

Lecturers

Dr.-Ing. Jan-Niklas Voigt-Antons joined the Quality and Usability Lab of the Technical University of Berlin as a research scientist in January 2009 and is working there since 2014 as a senior research scientist.

Tanja Kojić, M.Sc., received her M.Sc. degree in Information and Communication Technology from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing at the University of Zagreb.

Please direct questions about the course to the TU Berlin Summer University Team at: summeruniversity(at)tubs.de. We will answer your questions and direct specific queries regarding course content to the course lecturers where necessary.

Registration:

>>CLICK HERE TO REGISTER <<

This practice-oriented course is ideal for beginners who are looking to be quickly introduced to data science. At its end, you will be equipped with the toolset needed to analyze, understand and gain new insights from data. You will learn how to use Python coupled with Jupyter to manipulate and visualize data. You will peek into the theoretical foundation of machine learning and understand its main algorithms. Furthermore, you will apply your knowledge on real world problems by using machine learning to classify and predict data.

The general prerequisites of the TU Berlin Summer University are the following: at least one year of university experience + English level B2 or equivalent.

Basic programming knowledge is also required for this course. Students should be able to write and run small programs in the language of their choice. Students should also have basic knowledge in linear algebra and statistics/probability theory and know what loops, conditionals, methods/functions, libraries, vectors, matrices, gradient and probability distributions are.

Goals

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• Code in Python
• Manipulate and visualize data using numpy, pandas, matplotlib and sci-kit learn
• Run exploratory analysis on data and gain new insights
• Understand the theoretical foundation of machine learning
• Apply machine learning to predict and classify data
• Understand and apply Linear regression, K-Means Clustering, PCA, Decision Trees and Neural Networks

Syllabus

Please find the syllabus for this class HERE. 

Course components

The course will include the following topics:

• Crash Course in Python
• Manipulating and visualizing data in Jupyter
• Introduction to Machine Learning
• Regression
• Classification
• Neural Networks
• Data representation and Model evaluation

A CanSat is a small satellite in shape of a commercial beverage can that performs several measuring tasks. In this course, a CanSat is designed, built and tested in the field during a rocket launch. Therefore, all basics of topics related to the exciting area of space technology is imparted and practical skills for the development of a CanSat are trained. The theoretical units are supplemented by practical exercises. Parts of the CanSat are developed in intensely supervised small groups. During an excursion to a site in Berlin where space related companies and institutions are located, the participants shall gain insight into facilities used for the development of satellites.

This course is designed for students with a general understanding of engineering who want to gain insight into the exciting topic of space technologies. With the practical approach applied, students experience working on a challenging project in an interdisciplinary team. This prepares them for a systems engineering career with a leading position in the engineering industry. With the basic knowledge in space technologies that is imparted in this course, students have a good starting point to prepare themselves for a continuing education in space engineering.

The general prerequisites of the TU Berlin Summer University are: at least one year of university experience + English level B2 or equivalent. Participants should have a general understanding of engineering.

Futhermore this course recommends that participants have the following:

- A general understanding of engineering (please contact us for questions about whether your background is suitable)

- It is recommended that students use their own laptops for the hands-on project. A PC Pool is partially available. However, a laptop for writing software, making CAD drawings and preparing presentations is highly recommended

Goals

After taking part in this course, students will have knowledge of the most important topics related to space technologies. Students will know the parts of a space system and understand their correlations, and will be able to plan and conduct a space mission. Practically, students will be capable of designing a part of a space system with regard to mechanics, electronics and programming.

Syllabus

You can find the syllabus for this course HERE.

You may find the syllabus useful when discussing with your home University whether the ECTS credits attainable for this course are accepted by them.

Course components

The course starts with introductory lectures about the most important topics related to space technologies. In parallel, a practical training will be given to develop specific engineering skills in mechanics, electronics and programming that are necessary to conduct the hands-on project. During project work units, parts of a CanSat and a water-driven rocket will be designed with supervision in smaller groups. During a launch campaign, the CanSat will be tested under real conditions. The course is supplemented by an excursion to space related companies and institutions in Berlin.

Lecturers

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Brieß has been a full professor at the TU Berlin since 2003.

Cem Avsar is managing director of the Berlin-based space company beSpace.

Sebastian Trowitzsch is project manager and system engineer of the follow-up mission BEESAT-2.

Dr. Zizung Yoon is leading a research team with the goal to develop and launch a nanosatellite mission to demonstrate an intersatellite communication network.

In this course you learn first the basic knowledge of computer programming and then how to write computer programs using the programming language Java. You will be working at the computer. There will be some assignments which will give you more understanding of the programming concepts.

Topics addressed in this course include:

- Variables and types of data
- Loops and conditions
- User interfaces
- Arrays
- Methods- Classes and objects
- Object inheritance
- Collections
- Creating and designing data types
- Sorting and searching
- Graphics
- Input and Output
- Concurrent programming
- Event-driven programming

The general prerequisites of the TU Berlin Summer & Winter University are that candidates have B2 level English and at least one year of university experience.

In addition, the following requirements are recommended for this course:

1. Basic computer skills

2. Knowledge of school-level mathematics, in particular, the following skills:

- How to calculate with complex numbers

- How to calculate with matrices

- How to handle planes and lines

3. Knowledge of some basic Linux commands is also useful (but they will be also introduced in the course).

Syllabus:

You can find the syllabus for this course HERE.

The "Berlin/Culture" time slots are reserved for the cultural activities included in the tuition fee, as well as for the additional tours and trips that we offer. These activities are of course completely optional, should you want to use the time to explore the city by yourself, catch up on homework or relax.

You may find the syllabus useful when discussing with your home University whether the ECTS credits attainable for this course are accepted by them.

Lecturer

Prof. Dr. Rand Kouatly

Dr. Rand Kouatly is a visiting professor at Technische Universität Berlin Faculty of Audio Communication; he has experience of more than 20 years in teaching nationally and internationally with lots of courses in the fields of Information Technology and Communication Engineering, including Java.

Registration:

>> CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! <<

In the Startup Crash Course, you will learn how to develop a startup idea into a successful business model and how to a win a startup pitch. As for today, 99% of new businesses fail. We, the creators of this course, think that the main reasons are some myths around the startup scene, which lead to wrong expectations and crippled instruments. The main goal of this course is to increase the success rate of startups. The course offers real knowledge on how to start a company and push it to success.

It will have three main parts: the structured approach, real-time experimentation and feedback. The structured approach is given through lectures and case studies, which serve as a compass. Real-time experiment consists of individual and group work that makes you try all the new concepts and implement them to your business idea. Feedback comes from interaction with successful entrepreneurs and startup scene players.

Those who develop a high quality business model may be put in contact with Berlin startup supporters.

This course is for anyone who:

• Has a startup idea and doesn’t know how to start
• Runs a business and wants to increase the outcome
• Wants to become an entrepreneur, but is still wondering how to get there

The general prerequisites of the TU Berlin Summer University are: at least one year of university experience + English level B2 or equivalent.

Goals

• To know where to start when launching a business
• To know which steps to undertake in order to launch a business
• To be able to form a high quality business model
• To be able to pitch to various stakeholders

Syllabus

You can download the syllabus for this course HERE.

You may find the syllabus useful when discussing with your home University whether the ECTS credits attainable for this course are accepted by them.

Course components:

Lectures with interactive elements, case studies, interaction with real startup scene players, individual and group work aimed to form a business model, pitching.

Lecturers

Mario Steinbuch, Entrepreneur and Startup mediator

Mario is running an invite-only international business club for successful entrepreneurs, CEOs and investors. He also acts as a mediator in startup environment.

Mario started his entrepreneurial journey very early. His projects include a fintech startup and introducing a new sport to his home city.

Daria Markova, MBA and MA in Economics, Project leader /Coordinator of the Summer School

Daria is a cofounder of a fast growing coworking space in Berlin that supports startup and tech expert communities. Her story includes working in art, nonprofit and corporate worlds. She performs as a speaker on numerous business events and as a member of startup competition juries. Her main goal is to increase the quality of startup  scene.

Please direct questions about the course to the TU Berlin Summer University Team at: summeruniversity(at)tubs.de. We will answer your questions and direct specific queries regarding course content to the course lecturers where necessary.

Registration

>>CLICK HERE TO REGISTER <<

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FUBiS offers semi-intensive German language courses on up to five different levels of proficiency - ranging from absolute beginner courses for students with no previous knowledge of German to courses for advanced language learners who have successfully completed the intermediate level of German.

Semi-intensive German language courses meet on three days a week. On four class days during the term you will go on a short course-related study trip and thus making use of the vast historic, cultural, and political institutions and resources Berlin has to offer.

It is possible to combine a semi-intensive German language course with a subject course.

For a detailed description of the different course levels and the various course combination possibilities, please click here.

Registration deadline: December 7, 2019.

The course will introduce the basics of the European Union and describe and explain the processes of widening and deepening of this unique political entity. This will cover an overview of European Union history, its evolution in economic and political terms as well as of its institutional structure and key policies up until today.

The focus of the course will be internally on the state of EU integration and its challenges - the need for reform and the growing difficulty to actually agree upon and implement reforms in the face of rising populism, authoritarianism and nationalism. Externally, the course explores the international role of the EU with its emphasis on multilateralism, including its self-declared role as a leader in the fight against climate change. Special emphasis will be placed on Europe’s triple crisis – the Euro crisis, the migration crisis, and Brexit.

The morning sessions consist of lectures, literature-based discussions and oral presentations from working groups. After lunch the course will visit various institutions in Germany`s political center. Students will have the chance to discuss the topics from the morning sessions with international experts from political institutions, embassies and think tanks.

The course is designed for students with different academic backgrounds and a general

interest in Europe. There are no special prerequisites for the course.

Registration deadline: December 7, 2019.

This course explores theoretical and historical perspectives on the intersection of law, society and politics, and aims to foster discussion of contemporary issues among students from different cultures and disciplines. After an introduction to comparative law and legal culture, we read some classical social theorists (Durkheim, Weber and Marx), and consider their relevance to contemporary debates about morality, (dis)obedience, conflict, and property. Next, we investigate the role and operation of law in totalitarian settings such as Nazi and Communist Germany. Finally, we consider the difficulties such legacies pose for democracy, the rule of law, and the economy in post-totalitarian and authoritarian societies, including the need for ‘transitional justice’, the relationship between law and the market, and the challenges posed by freedom of speech and freedom of association.

Overall, the course aims to develop skills at using theory and history to inform debates on contemporary challenges, such as multiculturalism, (illegal) downloading/streaming/file-sharing, squatting, and economic development. In addition to gaining substantive expertise in various socio- and politico-legal fields, students develop communicative competence through participatory exercises, and intercultural competence through discussion with other students.

No prior knowledge of law or of social science is required; the only prerequisite is an open mind.

Registration deadline: December 7, 2019.

There are many reasons for the global success of football. The game fulfils our longing for triumph and endorses our knowledge of failure. It produces heroes and losers, demonstrates that we have to fight to reach our aims, but also shows the importance of cooperating and interacting. Thus football acts as a theatre of existence, in which life can both mirror and transcend itself.

The class will take a look behind the scenes and identify the mechanisms that make football so popular. They lie partly in the game’s structure itself, partly in its connection to other cultural fields, like religion, or war.

Because football is a game that is always “more than just a game”, it is an appropriate subject for philosophy and cultural studies. At first sight, of course, this relation seems to be counterintuitive. Traditionally, particularly philosophy was defined as a purely mental activity while football in reverse was reduced to a physical combat game. But we will see that one of the characteristics of modern philosophy is to involve the body in the process of thinking, while football urges a specific intelligence from its players. Thus, the class will explore the cultural and philosophical references of football and vice versa, the ludic and bodily aspects of philosophy. By this, we will gain a new perspective on football as well as on philosophy. In addition to that, the focusing on the specific subject “football” can show the different approaches as well as the overlaps between the individual sciences.

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Registration deadline: December 7, 2019.

The ‘thousand year Reich’ that Hitler promised when he became Chancellor of Germany in January 1933 lasted but 12 years. During this time, however, Hitler and his Nazi Party came to dominate European and even world affairs, terrorizing vast numbers of Germans, launching a devastating war, and orchestrating the murder of more than five million Jews. Yet Hitler and the Nazi Party gained the active support and involvement of most Germans. How was this possible?

This class focuses on Hitler’s Germany and it begins with the essential 19th century background. How did political anti-Semitism grow there? What shaped the social and political life? Central to this session will be a discussion of the broad political currents and the popular literature that Hitler and many of his supporters read and absorbed.

Crucial to understanding the lure of Hitler and the Nazi Party was Germany’s experience in the First World War, a conflict that decimated a generation and destroyed Europe as it was known. Germany became a democratic state, but was torn by political divisions and dissatisfaction. In this climate of uncertainty and despair, Hitler and the Nazi Party grew from a small group on the radical fringe in Munich to a national force. How did this happen? Those traits of Hitler crucial to his success, particularly his charisma, will be defined and analyzed within the broader political context of Weimar political life.

In late January 1933 Hitler gained the long desired but elusive goal: he became chancellor of Germany, the leader of a coalition government. Much attention will be paid in this session to how Hitler, his cabinet, and supporters were able to consolidate the control over the state and society within a matter of months. This came at the cost of political liberties, through the growing use of terror, oppression, and intimidation. Yet, Hitler gained supporters as he seemingly offered economic stability and a new unity to the German people. How the regime solidified its control over society and political life will be examined and discussed at length in this session.

A key element of Hitler’s rule was the concentration camp system, what came to be a vast chain of prisons and centers of oppression and death. How this developed will be examined and analyzed.

Hitler’s ambitions, the conquest of ‘living space’ in Eastern Europe and the annihilation of the Jews, motivated his foreign ambitions and led directly to World War II, the most destructive conflict in human history. A central element of the war was the Holocaust, the all-out program to destroy the Jews of Europe. The session will examine closely these developments, the nature of the war, how the Holocaust was implemented, and the role that terror played in sustaining Nazi rule. We will also discuss the measures taken against the handicapped, homosexuals, Sinti and Roma.

In Germany and later in occupied Europe opposition and resistance emerged and challenged Nazi rule. Opponents were motivated by a variety of reasons, some personal, some political, and these too will be discussed.

Lastly, the class will examine the end of the war, the so-called ‘zero hour’ in Germany, the destruction and collapse of Germany, and then how this nation has dealt with the legacy of Hitler and Nazi rule.

We will be visiting local museums, historical sites and locations that reveal the operations of Nazi rule. These visits are a key element of the class and the experience of studying in Berlin.

Interest and curiosity

Registration deadline: December 7, 2019

In many ways, Berlin is a center for contemporary electronic music. This is primarily due to the strong connection between technological and aesthetic developments. Nightclubs, such as the Berghain, have a worldwide reputation for their sound systems, which allow a specific acoustic experience and encourage nightlong dancing and partying. Berlin-based companies such as Ableton and Native Instruments are global leaders in their music software, especially in the context of techno, electronica and electronic dance music. Many DJs and musicians´ market themselves or their tracks via blogs and streaming services. Particularly in the context of sound art, there are fairly strong parallels with media art.

Due to the key 'digital' aspects of such phenomena, we often speak of a 'Digital Age' in which Berlin plays a particular role in the field of music. However, the 'analog' phenomena are constantly growing, so that there is some debate over the beginning of a 'post-digital age'. This corresponds with an increasing focus both on the virtual and haptic dimension. Among other things, software companies have made strong efforts over the past years to develop their own hardware controllers for their computer programs in order to be able to better design musical processes manually.

Based on such phenomena, the course will explore the relationship between aesthetic trends and technological developments with the focus on the cultural and economic conditions in Berlin. Particular emphasis will be made on the past and present of techno, (experimental) electronica and electronic dance music. What makes Berlin a magnet not only for thrill-seeking club-goers, but also for DJs, musicians, producers and developers? How does this relate to the recent past of Berlin since the fall of the Berlin Wall, especially given the gentrification processes? To what extent is Berlin's creative scene at the same time internationally networked and can its conditions only be understood in a global context?

Beyond the Berlin perspective, the course examines the current conditions of production and consumption as well as the performance and distribution of music. How do legal/illegal file sharing and streaming services affect listening to music? What is changing in music culture through sampling, remixing, mashup and approaches to interactive music in video games? What opposing trends are out there?

In addition to the joint discussion of texts and film excerpts, excursions also provide an opportunity for an exchange with proven experts in the course subject areas.    

At the end of the course, the participants can elaborate on and present a topic (either alone or in a group) of their choice in the context of the general list of topics on the course.

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Registration deadline: December 7, 2019.

Script is language. Language is communication and communication is the key to successful intercultural exchange. Due to globalization and cross-cultural interactions, multilingualism plays an eminent role in the world. Why is it important to work with both Latin and non-Latin script and type? What are the challenges of combining different scripts with varying visual precepts and habits? What are the social premises and technical requirements for multilingual visual communication? Researching different script systems and analyzing countless samples of contemporary graphic and type design. In order to get deeper into the topic, we want to visit several international designers based in Berlin who will tell us about their experiences of working with multiple scripts. Moving on to the topic of multilingual editorial design we will create, design and produce at intercultural publication. The focus does not want to disagree with disparate script systems but can arrange, combine and integrate all content within a clear structural concept.

Proof of student enrolment

Copy of passport

• One-Time application fee: 100€
• Early-Bird booking until 15th of January to save 100€
• Fee per course: 750€
• For 2 courses: 1.390€
• For 3 courses: 1.990€ 

Where & What: Discover the rich, multicultural street culture in a Berlin KIEZ (vernacular "district"). You can dive into Far Eastern atmosphere of Kantstrasse - Berlin's Chinatown, where Chinese residents settled down 100 years ago, or stroll along the colorful Turkish cloth market in Kreuzberg, known as little Istanbul. What are the specific visual codes that make the area reveal its special character? What about the historical background of these places? How do foreign visual elements blend with German local culture?

How: During this workshop, KIEZ, observing a design perspective and investigating street typography and other visual elements through various techniques of mapping, photography, filming, interviewing or drawing. The collected material will be the basis for the design of your own journey book.

Aim: > Understand to "read" the city as a creative source > Identify and understand the specific visual typographic expressions of the place > Learn about typography and the process of book making with analog and digital media > Enjoy the summer in berlin

What to bring: > For expedition: camera, sketchbook, tools for interviews and documentation > Comfortable clothes, sun / rain protection and enough to drink, public transport ticket or bicycle

Proof of student enrolment

Copy of passport

• One-Time application fee: 100€
• Early-Bird booking until 15th of January to save 100€
• Fee per course: 750€
• For 2 courses: 1.390€
• For 3 courses: 1.990€

Deadline: May, 1st 2020

Berlin has countless restaurants serving international food. Imagine a new restaurant opens, and you are in charge of the design including the conception of the menu. How do you help your client to visualize their food other than showing photos of the plates? How can you help your customers to be somewhere else without using stereotypes? How are you going to use a second language or script? Is your menu a classic print booklet, app for smartphones, or even both? We will go out on a research trip first, and dive into Berlin's multicultural cuisine scene to sketch, take pictures and interview restaurant owners and analyze the situation. Afterwards we are going to develop a narrative for a chosen restaurant and transform it into a design concept. We'll figure out the design of a functional and inspiring menu design. Finally, we want to produce the digital and / or analogue menu using Adobe Creative Suite and Figma for functioning and realistic prototyping.

Proof of student enrolment

Copy of passport

• One-Time application fee: 100€
• Early-Bird booking until 15th of January to save 100€
• Fee per course: 750€
• For 2 courses: 1.390€
• For 3 courses: 1.990€

Application Deadline: May, 1st 2020

This year, Bauhaus has celebrated its’ 100th year anniversary. Not only has architecture and design that was produced in the legendary school had a major impact on society, but also the didactical methods established at the Bauhaus have been adopted in schools of architecture and design all over the world. The course analyses the school and its impact over the past 100 years.

Proof of student enrolment

Copy of passport

• One-Time application fee: 100€
• Early-Bird booking until 15th of January to save 100€
• Fee per course: 750€
• For 2 courses: 1.390€
• For 3 courses: 1.990€

 Application Deadline: May, 1st 2020

This is an introductory course on furniture design that starts with researching contemporary approaching in furniture design, and the use of furniture in different cultural contexts. The course continues into the technical production, aesthetics, ergonomic needs, materials and surfaces of furniture, ending with the design and visualization of a piece of furniture through two and three dimensional drawings, models and mock-ups.

Proof of student enrolment

Copy of passport

• One-Time application fee: 100€
• Early-Bird booking until 15th of January to save 100€
• Fee per course: 750 €
• For 2 courses: 1.390 €
• For 3 courses: 1.990 €

Materials/ Equipment Needed:

• Laptop , cutter, long ruler (min. 50 cm),
• hot glue gun,
• mechanical pencil,
• set square,
• adhesive- tape (Masking Tape)

Application Deadline: May, 1st 2020

With the demographic shift in society and flow towards the cities, the discussion on healthy and affordable housing becomes essential. The course investigates existing models of housing on a global scale and inquires the future of housing.

Proof of student enrolment

Copy of passport

• One-Time application fee: 100€
• Early-Bird booking until 15th of January to save 100€
• Fee per course: 750€
• For 2 courses: 1.390€
• For 3 courses: 1.990€

Application Deadline: May, 1st 2020