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Call for Applications Theme: Minor Cosmopolitanisms Type: International Summer School Institution: English Department, University of Potsdam Location: Potsdam (Germany) Date: 9.–13.7.2012 Deadline: 29.2.2012 __________________________________________________ The concept of “cosmopolitanism” brings to mind ideas of world travel, polyglotism and the simultaneous attachment to multiple places, as well as notions of hospitality, human rights and the love of mankind. Apart from such generalization however, there has never been much agreement about what exactly is to be counted as “cosmopolitan”. While some critics have discussed cosmopolitanisms as a particular and distinguished mindset shared by the elites of globalization, others have taken the term to denote a supra-national, governmental principal and universal right that pertains to everybody on the planet. And while for some cosmopolitanism is a philanthropic and humanitarian ideal (that often has a hidden neocolonial or imperial agenda), for others it does nothing but describe the material reality of global modernity. What most of these characterizations share despite their heterogeneity, however, is their emergence in the context of a European Modernity steeped in the tradition of the autonomous subject and deeply entangled with notions of imperialism. Contrary to this Western tradition, discussions during the Potsdam Summer School Minor Cosmopolitanisms will focus on a range of ‘discrepant’ forms of cosmopolitan citizenship and belonging that have been the reality for colonial subjects in the past and have become the contemporary reality for millions of migrants as well as Indigenous people around the globe. Our discussions will concern - historical case studies of minor cosmopolitanisms and their commemoration, - contemporary cosmopolitan practices ‘from below’/of the multitude/ the plural, - Indigenous cosmopolitanisms, - negotiations of postcolonial justice, - and the minoritarian cosmopolitan condition as aspiration, imagination and the future. Language: English Applications We cordially invite submissions from postgraduate students (M.A., Honours, or PhD) from Germany and abroad. Applications should comprise: - a letter of application detailing your motivation for wishing to participate, - a Curriculum Vitae, focussing on your academic background - a short description (1 page) of your academic interest in “Minor Cosmopolitanisms”, contact details of one academic referee Application (in PDF-format) must be submitted by 29 February 2012 to: [email protected] Costs and Scholarships While participation in the program (including course materials) is free of charge, students are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses, as well as possible costs fo health insurance, visa, etc. The University of Potsdam offers a limited number of travel and accommodation subsidies to European and international students. Credits Upon the successful completion of the Summer School, students will be rewarded 6 Credits (ECTS) by the University of Potsdam. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a student-centered system based on the workload required to achieve the objectives of a program. ECTS aim is to facilitate the recognitions of periods of study abroad and this to facilitate student mobility. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lina Fricke from the organizing committee: [email protected] Contact: Lina Fricke Email: [email protected] Web: http://minorcosmopolitanisms.wordpress.com __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org Intercultural Philosophy Calendar: http://cal.polylog.org __________________________________________________
