Public events

Dr. Daniel Neff, German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA), Institute of Asian Studies, Hamburg

Lecture in the context of the 'Allgemeines Vorlesungswesen'

Economic Developments in South Asia

Eight states (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) belong to the geopolitical region of South Asia, which accommodates 20 % of the world population. In spite of differences in their social structures, political ways and religion, these states have retained a number of common social and cultural features rooted in their thousands of years long shared history. Since almost 30 years they have been united under the roof of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC. Owing to its emerging markets, rapidly developing IT industry, and a huge and vigorous middle class, South Asia is continuously at the forefront of current global affairs, both economic and political. This lecture series aims at presenting the recent developments in the economies of the South Asian countries, analysing internal and external pressures and reform impetuses as well as giving a perspective on the highly dynamic region, its importance for Europe, Germany and specifically Hamburg.
This series of lectures is designed in such a way that it may be attended by students as an optional course, with a written test at the end of the semester.

The lectures will be held in English.

Would you like to vacation in the Mediterranean? This is the perfect opportunity to find out more about the region?s culture, history, cuisine, its natural beauty and its people. What do the region?s various countries have in common? What distinguishes them? Let?s experience Mediterranean warmth and romance together. The PIASTA team will provide a few hours of vacation feeling.

John Stuart Mill ist einer der wichtigsten Philosophen der Moderne. Er veröffentlichte bahnbrechende Schriften in der Politischen Ökonomie, Demokratietheorie, über Liberalismus, Logik und Moralphilosophie. Gleichwohl ist sein Werk in Deutschland nach wie vor unterrepräsentiert und auch unterschätzt. Die Vortragsserie widmet sich einem für die normative Ethik besonders wichtigen Aspekt seines Schaffens: Der Verteidigung und Weiterentwicklung des Utilitarismus in seinem gleichnamigen Essay. Dieser erschien vor genau 150 Jahren in Buchform; zwei Jahre zuvor waren seine Ausführungen im Fraser's Magazine veröffentlicht worden. Die Vortragenden, allesamt ausgewiesene Experten in Mills Werk, widmen sich verschiedenen Aspekten der Überlegungen Mills und gehen dabei auch über den engen Bezug auf Utilitarianism hinaus.

Die Vortragsreihe dient auch dazu, die am Philosophischen Seminar neu ins Leben gerufene DAAD-Gastprofessur John-Stuart-Mill Chair in Social Philosophy bekannt zu machen. Auf dieser Gastprofessur werden in den kommenden Jahren verschiede ausländische Kollegen forschen und lehren.

Die Vorlesungsreihe wird im Sommersemester 2013 organisiert von Prof. Dr. Thomas Schramme.

Prof. Sue Heath, PhD, School of Social Sciences, The University of Manchester, Director of the Morgan Centre for Relationships and Personal Life, Manchester, UK

Lecture in the context of the 'Allgemeines Vorlesungswesen'

„Sie sind kein Pilger, nicht wahr? Ein Wanderer.“ - „Es ist eine Familienangelegenheit. Wir gehen den Camino nach Santiago.“ - „Wir?“ - „Wir beide.“ Manchmal komisch, manchmal tiefgründig - so wird dieser Film beschrieben. Er erzählt von den inneren und äußeren Erlebnissen, die mit der Wanderung auf diesem Weg verbunden sind. Dieser Film passt zu unserem Semesterthema und darum möchten wir ihn gemeinsam anschauen. Und du bist herzlich dazu eingeladen!

Throughout its lengthy history Buddhism has been practiced in an extraordinary variety of environments, some strongly supportive of the monastic order (*saá¹ gha*) others intensely hostile. Buddhist monks have, not surprisingly, developed a range of adaptive of strategies, sometimes throwing themselves into the heart of the political project, at others withdrawing to the periphery, although mostly operating at a series of midpoints between these two extreme positions. It has often been suggested that Buddhism presents an opposition to the spirit of politics in its most acute form. However, while there is evidenceof political quietism in the historical record, it is, in fact, quite rare. By surveying a wide range of specific examples, both in the past and in the modern period, I will use this lecture to develop a provisional typology of all possible interactions between organized Buddhism and political power.

Dr., Dr. Talat Mahmood, Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB), Department of the President, Berlin

Lecture in the context of the 'Allgemeines Vorlesungswesen'

Economic Developments in South Asia

Eight states (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) belong to the geopolitical region of South Asia, which accommodates 20 % of the world population. In spite of differences in their social structures, political ways and religion, these states have retained a number of common social and cultural features rooted in their thousands of years long shared history. Since almost 30 years they have been united under the roof of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC. Owing to its emerging markets, rapidly developing IT industry, and a huge and vigorous middle class, South Asia is continuously at the forefront of current global affairs, both economic and political. This lecture series aims at presenting the recent developments in the economies of the South Asian countries, analysing internal and external pressures and reform impetuses as well as giving a perspective on the highly dynamic region, its importance for Europe, Germany and specifically Hamburg.
This series of lectures is designed in such a way that it may be attended by students as an optional course, with a written test at the end of the semester.

The lectures will be held in English.

Doing a doctorate is not just a matter of finding a topic or a supervisor; it?s also a question of how to finance this phase of your life. Besides going the traditional route of working as a research assistant, you can also apply for a scholarship from a research training group or funding institution. The University also has its own scholarship program for doctoral students. This information session will address topics such as funding possibilities, scholarships vs. work, application tips and more.

We?ll provide beverages, sweets and other snacks.

Language: English

It is tempting to try to understand Buddhist ethics in terms of Western ethics. Some have tried to show that it is a species of virtue ethics, and indeed Buddhist ethicists do talk about virtue. Others have tried to show that it is a species ? or several species ? of consequentialism. And indeed Buddhist ethicists do talk about pain, pleasure and the consequences of action. But neither of these approaches does justice to Buddhist ethics. I will argue that Buddhist ethics ? particularly the approach of Santideva ? is best understood on its own terms, as a kind of moral phenomenology, and that as such, it has a great deal to contribute to contemporary global ethical discourse.

Jay Garfield is Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy at Smith College/ Northampton, at the University of Massachusetts, at Melbourne University, and he is Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, India.
He teaches and pursues research in the philosophy of mind, foundations of cognitive science, logic, philosophy of language, Buddhist philosophy, cross-cultural hermeneutics, theoretical and applied ethics and epistemology. He is author of numerous books on Western and Buddhist Philosophy, including Empty Words: Buddhist Philosophy and Cross-Cultural Interpretation (OUP 1996).

Smartphones, lap-tops, 3-D TVs: the electronics industry ceaselessly produces innovative consumer goods in ever-faster cycles. Yesterday’s cutting-edge gadget is now obsolete, but what happens with all of those old TVs and mobile phones? To answer this question, we’ll take a look at Ghana, one of the countries to which the West’s electronic waste is illegally imported. Business with electronic junk is booming, but it harms both the environment and the human beings who recycle our garbage under the crudest of conditions. We cordially invite you to find out about the underbelly of consumption. We’ll provide a wealth of information and discuss alternatives!

Jedes Jahr kommen Jugendliche aus der ganzen Welt nach Taizé, um zusammen zu beten, zusammen zu singen, um sich auszutauschen, miteinander zu lachen und zur Ruhe zu kommen. Um dieses Gefühl der Gemeinschaft und der Nähe zu sich selbst und zu Gott im Alltag zu bewahren, führen sie die traditionellen Taizé- Gebete in ihrer Heimat fort. So auch wir! Fühlt euch eingeladen zu einem Abend mit Gesängen aus Taizé, einer Zeit der Stille, des Nachdenkens und Betens. Im Anschluss bleibt Zeit zur Begegnung und einem gemeinsamen Essen.

You're planning a semester or year in the USA and are looking for a scholarship? Or perhaps you're interested in teaching at an American college? The Fulbright program finances scholarships and teaching assistant programs for excellent students.

Come to the Fulbright-Kommission's info session at the Universitÿt Hamburg and learn all about their programs and listen to a former Fulbright scholar report on her experiences in the USA.

We're looking forward to seeing you at this event!

Dr. Imme Scholz, stellvertretende Direktorin des Deutschen Instituts für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE), Bonn

Dr. Wolfgang-Peter Zingel, South Asia Institute, Economy and state in South Asia, Heidelberg University

Lecture in the context of the 'Allgemeines Vorlesungswesen'

Economic Developments in South Asia

Eight states (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) belong to the geopolitical region of South Asia, which accommodates 20 % of the world population. In spite of differences in their social structures, political ways and religion, these states have retained a number of common social and cultural features rooted in their thousands of years long shared history. Since almost 30 years they have been united under the roof of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC. Owing to its emerging markets, rapidly developing IT industry, and a huge and vigorous middle class, South Asia is continuously at the forefront of current global affairs, both economic and political. This lecture series aims at presenting the recent developments in the economies of the South Asian countries, analysing internal and external pressures and reform impetuses as well as giving a perspective on the highly dynamic region, its importance for Europe, Germany and specifically Hamburg.
This series of lectures is designed in such a way that it may be attended by students as an optional course, with a written test at the end of the semester.

The lectures will be held in English.

Sushi, a combination of rice and raw fish, is a popular Japanese dish. Initially a way to conserve sweet-water fish, sushi has also become popular on this side of the globe. Origami is the art of creating two and three-dimensional objects from paper. According to a Japanese legend, the gods will fulfill a single wish of anyone who folds 1,000 cranes. Haiku is a traditional Japanese verse form employed the world over. The haiku is considered the shortest verse form and is generally concerned with the natural world. The PIASTA team cordially invites you to learn more about Japan’s cuisine and culture!

John Stuart Mill ist einer der wichtigsten Philosophen der Moderne. Er veröffentlichte bahnbrechende Schriften in der Politischen Ökonomie, Demokratietheorie, über Liberalismus, Logik und Moralphilosophie. Gleichwohl ist sein Werk in Deutschland nach wie vor unterrepräsentiert und auch unterschätzt. Die Vortragsserie widmet sich einem für die normative Ethik besonders wichtigen Aspekt seines Schaffens: Der Verteidigung und Weiterentwicklung des Utilitarismus in seinem gleichnamigen Essay. Dieser erschien vor genau 150 Jahren in Buchform; zwei Jahre zuvor waren seine Ausführungen im Fraser's Magazine veröffentlicht worden. Die Vortragenden, allesamt ausgewiesene Experten in Mills Werk, widmen sich verschiedenen Aspekten der Überlegungen Mills und gehen dabei auch über den engen Bezug auf Utilitarianism hinaus.

Die Vortragsreihe dient auch dazu, die am Philosophischen Seminar neu ins Leben gerufene DAAD-Gastprofessur John-Stuart-Mill Chair in Social Philosophy bekannt zu machen. Auf dieser Gastprofessur werden in den kommenden Jahren verschiede ausländische Kollegen forschen und lehren.

Die Vorlesungsreihe wird im Sommersemester 2013 organisiert von Prof. Dr. Thomas Schramme.

Das Thema unseres Wochenendes im Schloss Dreilützow wird lauten:,,... da habe ich Dich getragen.“ (aus: Spuren im Sand) Das Programm ist vielfältig. Wir werden genügend Zeit zum Kennenlernen und gegenseitigen Austausch haben. In Kleingruppen werden wir am Samstag den Wallfahrtsgottesdienst vorbereiten. Wer nicht das ganze Wochenende Zeit hat, kann Samstag oder Sonntag dazu kommen.

Am 31. Mai 2013 lädt der Sonderforschungsbereich ?Manuskriptkulturen in Asien, Afrika und Europa? erneut zu einem TAG DER OFFENEN TÜR ein.
In diesem Jahr stehen Forschungsreisen nach Nepal und Mali im Zentrum der Veranstaltung. Präsentationen über den Stand der Forschung in verschiedenen Manuskriptkulturen und Vorführungen im SFB-eigenen Manuskriptlabor versprechen einen spannenden Nachmittag.

Nach musikalischem Auftakt und einem Grußwort von Universitäts-Professor Dr. Dieter Lenzen, Präsident der Universität Hamburg, berichten zunächst die Feldforscher von ihren Expeditionen.
Eine Gruppe von neun Forschern unterschiedlicher Disziplinen hatte das mobile Manuskriptlabor des SFB zusammengepackt und war damit ins nepalesische Nationalarchiv nach Kathmandu gereist, um mit Hilfe neuer Technik alte Fragen zu beantworten: Kann man einen fast verblichenen Text wieder lesbar machen? Verbirgt sich unter den Tintenflecken doch noch ein aufschlussreicher Kommentar? In welchem Skriptorium wurden die Manuskripte gefertigt, und wer waren die Schreiber? Im malischen Bamako konnten die Experten im Auftrag von Auswärtigem Amt und Gerda-Henkel-Stiftung Manuskripte in Augenschein nehmen, die vor den drohenden Zerstörungen in Timbuktu gerettet wurden. Die Wissenschaftler berichten von einer alten, international vernetzten Manuskriptkultur und der aktuellen Situation in Mali.

Viele weitere Disziplinen werden ihre Forschungsgegenstände der Öffentlichkeit präsentieren: Nachwuchswissenschaftler stellen unter anderem ein vielsprachiges Manuskript aus dem Osmanischen Reich vor, erklären das Layout arabischer Handschriften oder führen auf eine visuelle Reise durch ein Stundenbuch.
Auch in diesem Jahr bietet sich natürlich wieder die Möglichkeit, bei einer Erkundungstour durch die Räume des Sonderforschungsbereichs den Manuskriptologen bei der Arbeit über die Schulter zu schauen und im persönlichen Gespräch alles rund um die Manuskriptkulturen in Asien, Afrika und Europa zu erfahren.
Ganz besonders lohnt sich dabei ein Blick in das hauseigene Manuskriptlabor, in dem die Besucher erleben können, was mit Hilfe der Materialanalyse über die Geschichte von Manuskripten zu erfahren ist.

Dr. Wolfgang-Peter Zingel, South Asia Institute, Economy and state in South Asia, Heidelberg University

Lecture in the context of the 'Allgemeines Vorlesungswesen'

Economic Developments in South Asia

Eight states (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) belong to the geopolitical region of South Asia, which accommodates 20 % of the world population. In spite of differences in their social structures, political ways and religion, these states have retained a number of common social and cultural features rooted in their thousands of years long shared history. Since almost 30 years they have been united under the roof of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC. Owing to its emerging markets, rapidly developing IT industry, and a huge and vigorous middle class, South Asia is continuously at the forefront of current global affairs, both economic and political. This lecture series aims at presenting the recent developments in the economies of the South Asian countries, analysing internal and external pressures and reform impetuses as well as giving a perspective on the highly dynamic region, its importance for Europe, Germany and specifically Hamburg.
This series of lectures is designed in such a way that it may be attended by students as an optional course, with a written test at the end of the semester.

The lectures will be held in English.

Based on little-studied Indian textual sources, the lecture will present and analyze the role of passion, normally regarded in Buddhism as an affliction or defilement, entailing bondage and rebirth, from which it is necessary to become freed, as an essential element of soteriology in Indian tantric Buddhism. It will also consider other ways in which Indian tantric Buddhist practice makes positive use of emotional energy, including the phenomenon of extreme manifestations of emotion as a sign of possession by a deity.

What is traditional medicine? What methods does it use and how do they work? What is the difference between modern conventional medicine and traditional medicine? Which complaints and illnesses can natural healing methods address or help? This evening will provide you with an opportunity to learn about traditional medicine from a practitioner and to ask questions. You can also tell us about traditional medicine in your home country.

The conference aims at discussing the implementation of rights of marginalised people to inclusion, self-determination and participation in society in general and especially in the labour market. The focus is on two central interconnected axes of difference, ableism and racism, which act as powerful social ?ushers? in conjunction with other constructions of difference. Both ?disability? and ?migration background? are terms used colloquially and often understood as properties associated with individuals; however, what remains hidden is how they are produced in complex processes of social construction. These processes can take on various forms in different geopolitical contexts depending on the specific logics of economic valorisation as well as different political and technical conditions. The aim of the conference is to discuss with scientists from all over the world the creation of concepts as well as theoretical and methodological tools adequate to the task of analysing marginalisation and participation. An additional focus will be on the concept and practices of inclusion and a discussion of models, perspectives and policy options. ESF-Project ?Network Participation of Multiple Discriminated People? Prof. Dr. Marianne Pieper, Jamal Haji Mohammadi, Gesa Mayer, Michael Hartwig, Till Telake Registration until May 31th 2013: http://www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de/cepar

Title: Roundtable “Towards a Critical Theory of Transnational Justice?”

We would like to invite you to the roundtable “Towards a Critical Theory of Transnational Justice” with Rainer Forst. The event is organized by the Journal “Global Constitutionalism”. The participants of the Roundtable are: Prof. Dr. Rainer Forst (Goethe-University Frankfurt), Prof. Dr. Mattias Kumm (WZB Berlin and Humboldt University; NYU New York), Dr. Anthony F. Lang Jr. (University of St. Andrews), Prof. Dr. Miguel Poiares Maduro (EUI Florence), Prof. Dr. James Tully (University of Victoria) and Prof. Antje Wiener, PhD AcSS (University of Hamburg).
The event is moderated by Maximilian Steinbeis. If you plan to attend, please send a message, until the 6th of May, to Mr. Sassan Gholiagha
(sassan.gholiagha@wiso.uni-hamburg.de) for registration.

Corinna Nienstedt, leader of the area International Affairs, Chamber of Commerce, Hamburg

Lecture in the context of the 'Allgemeines Vorlesungswesen'

Economic Developments in South Asia

Eight states (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) belong to the geopolitical region of South Asia, which accommodates 20 % of the world population. In spite of differences in their social structures, political ways and religion, these states have retained a number of common social and cultural features rooted in their thousands of years long shared history. Since almost 30 years they have been united under the roof of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC. Owing to its emerging markets, rapidly developing IT industry, and a huge and vigorous middle class, South Asia is continuously at the forefront of current global affairs, both economic and political. This lecture series aims at presenting the recent developments in the economies of the South Asian countries, analysing internal and external pressures and reform impetuses as well as giving a perspective on the highly dynamic region, its importance for Europe, Germany and specifically Hamburg.
This series of lectures is designed in such a way that it may be attended by students as an optional course, with a written test at the end of the semester.

The lectures will be held in English.

What do you know about Mexico? It’s more than just where tequila, sombreros, tacos and tortillas come from! Mexico is a country rife with contradiction. Its rich cultural history, its unique natural diversity and its special music tradition are fascinating. We would like to familiarize you with this beautiful country. We’ll provide some Mexican delicacies and Mexican music.

John Stuart Mill ist einer der wichtigsten Philosophen der Moderne. Er veröffentlichte bahnbrechende Schriften in der Politischen Ökonomie, Demokratietheorie, über Liberalismus, Logik und Moralphilosophie. Gleichwohl ist sein Werk in Deutschland nach wie vor unterrepräsentiert und auch unterschätzt. Die Vortragsserie widmet sich einem für die normative Ethik besonders wichtigen Aspekt seines Schaffens: Der Verteidigung und Weiterentwicklung des Utilitarismus in seinem gleichnamigen Essay. Dieser erschien vor genau 150 Jahren in Buchform; zwei Jahre zuvor waren seine Ausführungen im Fraser's Magazine veröffentlicht worden. Die Vortragenden, allesamt ausgewiesene Experten in Mills Werk, widmen sich verschiedenen Aspekten der Überlegungen Mills und gehen dabei auch über den engen Bezug auf Utilitarianism hinaus. Die Vortragsreihe dient auch dazu, die am Philosophischen Seminar neu ins Leben gerufene DAAD-Gastprofessur John-Stuart-Mill Chair in Social Philosophy bekannt zu machen. Auf dieser Gastprofessur werden in den kommenden Jahren verschiede ausländische Kollegen forschen und lehren. Die Vorlesungsreihe wird im Sommersemester 2013 organisiert von Prof. Dr. Thomas Schramme.

Prof. Dr. Hans Stumpfeldt, Sinologe, Universität Hamburg

Anlässlich des traditionellen „Drachenbootfests“, das zum Gedenken an den chinesischen Dichter und Dissidenten Qu Yuan gefeiert wird, stellt Prof. Dr. Hans Stumpfeldt, Sinologe an der Universität Hamburg, an fünf Beispielen dar, wie politischer Widerstand im chinesischen Kaiserreich aussah und wie er inszeniert wurde.

Abendkasse: € 8,- (erm. € 5,-)

Peter Braun, Regional Manager South Asia, Ostasiatischer Verein e. V., Hamburg

Lecture in the context of the 'Allgemeines Vorlesungswesen'

Economic Developments in South Asia

Eight states (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) belong to the geopolitical region of South Asia, which accommodates 20 % of the world population. In spite of differences in their social structures, political ways and religion, these states have retained a number of common social and cultural features rooted in their thousands of years long shared history. Since almost 30 years they have been united under the roof of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC. Owing to its emerging markets, rapidly developing IT industry, and a huge and vigorous middle class, South Asia is continuously at the forefront of current global affairs, both economic and political. This lecture series aims at presenting the recent developments in the economies of the South Asian countries, analysing internal and external pressures and reform impetuses as well as giving a perspective on the highly dynamic region, its importance for Europe, Germany and specifically Hamburg.
This series of lectures is designed in such a way that it may be attended by students as an optional course, with a written test at the end of the semester.

The lectures will be held in English.

Two years have now passed since the first uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. Arab solidarity forced new elections and ushered democratically-elected governments into power. Arab peoples now face the challenge of developing new social and political institutions. Among other things, this means creating a democratic culture: What does freedom mean? What are the limits of democratic freedom? How does democracy work on a daily basis? Do free elections guarantee democracy? We would like to find out more about the social and political climate in these countries by talking to some young activists. Do the people – particularly young people – feel freer? What problems do they face on a day-to-day basis? What projects should we support to help people in Arab countries? We’d be delighted to see you for our second round of discussion on this topic!

John Stuart Mill ist einer der wichtigsten Philosophen der Moderne. Er veröffentlichte bahnbrechende Schriften in der Politischen Ökonomie, Demokratietheorie, über Liberalismus, Logik und Moralphilosophie. Gleichwohl ist sein Werk in Deutschland nach wie vor unterrepräsentiert und auch unterschätzt. Die Vortragsserie widmet sich einem für die normative Ethik besonders wichtigen Aspekt seines Schaffens: Der Verteidigung und Weiterentwicklung des Utilitarismus in seinem gleichnamigen Essay. Dieser erschien vor genau 150 Jahren in Buchform; zwei Jahre zuvor waren seine Ausführungen im Fraser's Magazine veröffentlicht worden. Die Vortragenden, allesamt ausgewiesene Experten in Mills Werk, widmen sich verschiedenen Aspekten der Überlegungen Mills und gehen dabei auch über den engen Bezug auf Utilitarianism hinaus.

Die Vortragsreihe dient auch dazu, die am Philosophischen Seminar neu ins Leben gerufene DAAD-Gastprofessur John-Stuart-Mill Chair in Social Philosophy bekannt zu machen. Auf dieser Gastprofessur werden in den kommenden Jahren verschiede ausländische Kollegen forschen und lehren.

Die Vorlesungsreihe wird im Sommersemester 2013 organisiert von Prof. Dr. Thomas Schramme.

Sven Andreßen, M. A., Redaktion Indien Aktuell, Bremen

Lecture in the context of the 'Allgemeines Vorlesungswesen'

Economic Developments in South Asia

Eight states (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) belong to the geopolitical region of South Asia, which accommodates 20 % of the world population. In spite of differences in their social structures, political ways and religion, these states have retained a number of common social and cultural features rooted in their thousands of years long shared history. Since almost 30 years they have been united under the roof of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC. Owing to its emerging markets, rapidly developing IT industry, and a huge and vigorous middle class, South Asia is continuously at the forefront of current global affairs, both economic and political. This lecture series aims at presenting the recent developments in the economies of the South Asian countries, analysing internal and external pressures and reform impetuses as well as giving a perspective on the highly dynamic region, its importance for Europe, Germany and specifically Hamburg.
This series of lectures is designed in such a way that it may be attended by students as an optional course, with a written test at the end of the semester.

The lectures will be held in English.

Every country has its own grilled specialties. Find out about the array of international grilling traditions with the PIASTA team. You can tell us about grilled delicacies from your homeland or even bring some along. There will also be dancing, music and – of course – contests!

Jedes Jahr findet im Sommersemester das interreligiöse Friedensgebet statt. Dazu treffen wir uns eigentlich im Raum der Stille auf dem Campus der Universität. In diesem Jahr jedoch wollen wir das Gebet auf dem Gelände der Internationalen Gartenschau veranstalten. Es gibt verschiedene Berührungspunkte zwischen der KHG und den Studierenden aus anderen Religionen (Bowlen mit der Islamischen Hochschulgemeinde, Moscheebesuch, Besuch des tibetischen Zentrums, etc.). Diese Kontakte können in diesem Semester aufgefrischt bzw. vertieft werden. Das interreligiöse Gebet bietet dafür eine gute Gelegenheit.

When you are pursuing a doctorate, the first things you need to clarify are your topic and who your supervisor will be. Both of these directly affect your exposé. This info session will provide some helpful tips about writing your exposé. It will also take a look at topics such as: ?How do I write a good abstract?? and ?How do I find the right conference?? Since many questions will arise as you work on your thesis, you will need feedback from other experts in the field. Conferences will also help you network internationally. Finally, we?ll address the topic of publishing your dissertation. This is a good opportunity to meet other doctoral students, as well. We?ll provide beverages, sweets and other snacks. We look forward to seeing you! Language: German

Music is universal and unites cultures. For the eighth time, PIASTA is giving students an opportunity to present their musical talents. The International Night of Music is a chance to meet people from all over the world, make music together and take a break from academic routine. If you like to sing or play an instrument, then don’t hesitate to contact us. Professionals and amateurs meet regularly to make music and rehearse for a concert in the PIASTA Café, to which we invite our friends and classmates. We look forward to performing a rich program of music to listeners from all over the world!

John Stuart Mill ist einer der wichtigsten Philosophen der Moderne. Er veröffentlichte bahnbrechende Schriften in der Politischen Ökonomie, Demokratietheorie, über Liberalismus, Logik und Moralphilosophie. Gleichwohl ist sein Werk in Deutschland nach wie vor unterrepräsentiert und auch unterschätzt. Die Vortragsserie widmet sich einem für die normative Ethik besonders wichtigen Aspekt seines Schaffens: Der Verteidigung und Weiterentwicklung des Utilitarismus in seinem gleichnamigen Essay. Dieser erschien vor genau 150 Jahren in Buchform; zwei Jahre zuvor waren seine Ausführungen im Fraser's Magazine veröffentlicht worden. Die Vortragenden, allesamt ausgewiesene Experten in Mills Werk, widmen sich verschiedenen Aspekten der Überlegungen Mills und gehen dabei auch über den engen Bezug auf Utilitarianism hinaus.

Die Vortragsreihe dient auch dazu, die am Philosophischen Seminar neu ins Leben gerufene DAAD-Gastprofessur John-Stuart-Mill Chair in Social Philosophy bekannt zu machen. Auf dieser Gastprofessur werden in den kommenden Jahren verschiede ausländische Kollegen forschen und lehren.

Die Vorlesungsreihe wird im Sommersemester 2013 organisiert von Prof. Dr. Thomas Schramme.

John Stuart Mill ist einer der wichtigsten Philosophen der Moderne. Er veröffentlichte bahnbrechende Schriften in der Politischen Ökonomie, Demokratietheorie, über Liberalismus, Logik und Moralphilosophie. Gleichwohl ist sein Werk in Deutschland nach wie vor unterrepräsentiert und auch unterschätzt. Die Vortragsserie widmet sich einem für die normative Ethik besonders wichtigen Aspekt seines Schaffens: Der Verteidigung und Weiterentwicklung des Utilitarismus in seinem gleichnamigen Essay. Dieser erschien vor genau 150 Jahren in Buchform; zwei Jahre zuvor waren seine Ausführungen im Fraser's Magazine veröffentlicht worden. Die Vortragenden, allesamt ausgewiesene Experten in Mills Werk, widmen sich verschiedenen Aspekten der Überlegungen Mills und gehen dabei auch über den engen Bezug auf Utilitarianism hinaus.

Die Vortragsreihe dient auch dazu, die am Philosophischen Seminar neu ins Leben gerufene DAAD-Gastprofessur John-Stuart-Mill Chair in Social Philosophy bekannt zu machen. Auf dieser Gastprofessur werden in den kommenden Jahren verschiede ausländische Kollegen forschen und lehren.

Die Vorlesungsreihe wird im Sommersemester 2013 organisiert von Prof. Dr. Thomas Schramme.

Manuscripts might be used in a way which is far beyond the original scope of the commissioners and manuscript makers. The most common function of text- and/or image-carrier can be accompanied by other less obvious ones. With the passage of time and due to various social, cultural, and practical factors, initially parallel, subordinate and secondary functions might assume a prominent role, transcending and transforming the initial conception of the manuscript at the time it was first produced. Being a living object for the entire time it is used, the manuscript bears in itself written and non-written evidence of its earlier as well as afterlife or secondary life. A source of invaluable data in its own right, the latter evidence often turns out to be by far more important and revealing than the earlier layer according to the original programme. Written additional notes or marginalia excluding paratexts such as commentaries, etc. (using a purely descriptive terminology) might cover a huge range of typologies. They might testify to interventions in the material structure of the manuscript (repairs, renovations, restorations, later addition of ornamental decorations) as well as consist of every kind of texts of a given manuscript culture. Yet specific typologies of texts might also come to be regularly, if not exclusively, hosted as guest-texts only. This might depend on various reasons: from the scarcity of scribal material, to the necessity of a contextual legitimation through an authoritative manuscript environment, to various other reasons. Actually a moment of its reception in the long run, this is but one of the various possible cases in which a manuscript comes to be re-used, thus subverting the hierarchies devised by the producers and commissioners, and expected by the primary consumers. Three panels of the meeting will deal, respectively, with

1) surveying typology of the evidence as represented in different traditions, as well as the way of recording and studying it;

2) discussing physical features and peculiarities of the evidence (kind of secondary materials, material changes, additional visual elements, interventions into the binding structures);

3) tracing of the manuscripts’ history and “second(ary) life” on examples of specific cases (esp. tracing of chains of private owners, transfer from one collection to another and wandering of the manuscripts, change of the status of the manuscript, reutilization of manuscripts, or their fragments).

The workshop will focus on methodological issues and sample cases, and will strive towards a broad, diachronic look at the phenomenon as represented in several manuscript cultures. The publication of the workshop’s proceedings is planned.

In order to establish manuscriptology as a discipline of manuscript studies it is necessary to clarify the concept of manuscript. The Conference in particular aims to focus on this clarification and will therefore discuss the relationship between manuscripts and epigraphy, which is particularly insightful for this purpose. Manuscripts, including the texts, illustrations, notes, or other signs contained in them, are to be distinguished from other means of recording and transmitting information, particularly from other media of literacy. Regarding manuscripts and epigraphy, it will not be possible to begin with clear-cut definitions; rather, blurred boundaries and overlaps have to be expected, not least because the concept of epigraphy is neither homogenous nor uncontroversial. When examining the types and amounts of text found in epigraphy and manuscripts, one will immediately discover great differences between these two writing supports. Therefore, detailed comparative analyses of the conventions are desirable, which stipulate particular types, sizes and arrangements of signs for different types of inscriptions and texts contained in manuscripts, and which are reflected in an intentionally planned layout. Additionally, a more or less spontaneous use of letters and signs has to be taken into account, as, for instance, is the case with annotations or graffiti. Furthermore, it is to be examined how reliable a distinction according to the producers of these types of writings is, as suggested at times, who sometimes are considered to belong to an artisanal circle or, at other times, to a scriptorium or chancellery. Thus the basic material conditions of epigraphy and manuscript are addressed as well. Whether or not the distinction between ‘soft’ materials for manuscripts and ‘hard’ materials for epigraphy, as has been suggested, is feasible should be examined in the light of clay and bamboo manuscripts or epigraphic evidence found on textile or leather. Furthermore, it is to be asked whether the category of durability derived from the attribution to a certain material may be exclusively ascribed to inscriptions. Also, the differentiation between stationary and transportable use, which can be deduced from the difference between ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ materials, does not seem to apply without limitation. Finally, the transfer from inscription to manuscript (and vice versa?) will be addressed which can be found, for example, when specific epigraphic conventions are being included in manuscripts, for instance text pages appearing in epigraphic mode. Illustrations and image sequences can also be accompanied, supplemented, or explained by inscriptions and, last but not least, the visual representation of real inscriptions should be mentioned in this context. The Conference will be organized in four panels by four members of CSMC: Material I (stone) – Michael Friedrich Material II (others) – Jörg B. Quenzer Script – Christian Brockmann Image – Bruno Reudenbach

Social movements worldwide have expressed their disappointment at governments for their failure as decision makers of strategies against climate change. Environmentally-oriented political parties mobilize only small sections of society and just a limited number of internationally binding institutional reforms have been implemented for the protection of natural resources and biodiversity. After RIO +20 the political process is still characterized by a lack of cooperative and effective responses.

Through the discussion of critical theoretical approaches, empirical cases, and grassroots proposals, this conference aims to analyse the challenges posed by civil society groups for the effective participation of peoples in designing sustainable development solutions. Civic mobilization takes a variety of different forms. It includes the actions carried out by citizens, political parties, governments, indigenous communities, but also international social movements and irregular migrants.