Nationalism, Religion and Violence in Europe and the Mediterranean

The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) in partnership with Charles University (Prague) and the support of Princeton University, the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO Cyprus Centre), the LSEE unit ‘Research on South Eastern Europe’ and the Chair of Jewish Studies (School of Philosophy AUTH) is organising a Summer Seminar on Heretics, Converts and Infidels: Political, Cultural and Social Aspects of Religion in ‘Shared Worlds’. The Seminar will take place from Monday 19 June to Friday 30 June 2017 in the premises of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki (Greece). The program offers 60 hours of teaching and outdoor activities and a long weekend at the camping site of AUTH in Halkidiki.
The making, the presence and the future of the eternal and often dramatic interaction between religion, culture, politics and diplomacy is the topic of our 2017 summer seminar. Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to forge valuable connections with one another and with senior scholars working on historical, cultural, social and political aspects of religion.

Our Summer Seminar is

• led by the best international researchers in the field
• bringing together lecturers from the most prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, Trinity College (Dublin), University of Birmingham, George Washington University, University of Illinois (Chicago)
• targeting students and graduates of Political Science, Modern History, Social Anthropology, International Relations, International Law, Theology, Journalism & other related disciplines
• a course for both advanced undergraduates, (post) graduate students and activists
• taking place in a city proud for its 2,300 year long history, famous for its multicultural past and crowded with Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments.

How to apply

• To be considered for admission, you have to submit your application via e-mail to
  the Program Coordinator, Nadia Karakosta: sumschool17@auth.gr
• The application deadline is April 30, 2017.
• Approx. 30 students will be admitted to the 2017 Summer Seminar.
• Applicants admitted to the program are expected to participate fully, which means attending all classes and lectures. All outdoor activities are optional.
• A very good level of English is essential for successful participation in the summer seminar.
• Please note: Early Birds Fellowship (-20%) available (for registration by 15 March 2017).

The application e-mail should contain:

1. Your CV (in English language).
2. A brief letter of motivation explaining your interest in the summer seminar.

Reception of your application will be confirmed as soon as possible by the Program Coordinator.

• Decisions on admission will be announced to applicants within ten working days from the application date.
• After the application deadline, admitted participants will be informed and asked to pay their respective tuition fees in 10 days.
• The possibility of a second round acceptance occurs in case of previously admitted participants’ inability to come or to fulfil their financial duties.

Criteria for decisions on admission

1. Your interest in the topic of the summer seminar (your field of study at the university, jobs and internships, volunteering, other summer schools, etc.).
2. Your year of study (more advanced students are being preferred).
3. Intercultural competence (knowledge of foreign languages, experience of living, studying or working abroad, etc.). 

Fees and Cost

The tuition fee is 500 euros (excluding accommodation).

This price includes:

• Tuition (all lectures as mentioned in the program).
• Fieldwork activities (as mentioned in the program), excluding museum tickets.
• Weekend: two nights at the Kalandra Camping place (Halkidiki), including transportation but not lunches.
• Reading materials (an on-line version will be at your disposal after enrolling).
• Coffee during the working hours and daily lunches during all working days at the university restaurant’s ground (student) hall.
• Access to the University Library.
• Max. 35 attendants.

Discounts and fellowships are available for:

• Charles University, Aristotle University and Princeton University students and alumni (-20%).
• A number of fellowships (partial waiving of tuition fees) is available based upon merit and financial need. A separate application is required.
• 20%: early bird (for registration by 15 March 2017).

Please note that payments are not re-fundable!

Participants are free to choose accommodation from a variety of options (hotels and hostels) but they are advised to book in time before the peak season. Advice, if needed, may be given. We have made arrangement with the three star ABC Hotel next to the university campus. Prices start from 60 euros per night for a double room or 50 euros for a single room with breakfast, but booking should be made via the Summer School Administrator (and not via any travel agent or site), not later than March 15, 2017.
Participants are offered to stay, if they are fond of the Spartan lifestyle, in the university dormitory, situated within walking distance from the campus. Guest apartments consist of two or three rooms with one to five beds each one, with a separate kitchen and bathroom for each apartment. The accommodation fee for 15 nights will be 60 euros, excluding breakfast, and must be paid separately. No more than 20 beds are available in total.

Participants are responsible for their travel expenses.