Tilburg University Summer School

We offer you intensive academic summer courses (ECTS Accredited) combined with cultural and social activities.

Philosophy: Shakespeare and Philosophy

A Seminar with Simon Critchley | June 30 - July 7, 2012

  • Course period: June 30 - July 7, 2012
  • Course load: 3ECTS
  • Max participants: 15
  • Course leader: Simon Critchley
  • Target group: The Summer School is open to graduate students in philosophy and related disciplines. Some applications from selected advanced undergraduates will be considered.
  • More information: More information can be found on the Philosophy Summer School website.

Course information

Following on from the success of last year’s Summer School ‘On the Tragic and its Limits’, which dealt with Attic tragedy and its philosophical interpretation from Plato to Heidegger, this year’s focus will be the way in which Shakespeare allows us to locate the emergence of modern drama and indeed the phenomenon of modernity. As the young Schelling writes, ‘If our world were ever lost, one could recreate it from the series of Shakespeare’s works’.


Shakespeare
Whether tragical, comical, historical or lyrical, the vast human panorama of Shakespeare’s work raises many of the deepest and most enduring philosophical questions: knowledge versus skepticism, reality versus appearance, traditional virtue versus modern moral expediency, self versus other, being versus non-being. From Hegel to Cavell, Shakespearean texts have proven themselves to be decisive ways in which philosophy has come to understand itself and have provided a unique space in which to inform, influence and indeed challenge forms of philosophical understanding.

Although Hamlet and the other tragedies will provide a primary focus for discussion, applications are welcomed on any aspect of Shakespeare’s work and its philosophical purport or its challenge to philosophy. Indeed, we are particularly interested in the ways in which Shakespeare’s comedies, historical plays and poetry raise philosophical questions that might place in question the alleged philosophical primacy of the tragedies and the category of the tragic. We also welcome interpretations of Shakespeare that touch on psychoanalytic, political, legal and ethical themes.


Simon Critchley
Simon Critchley is an English philosopher now teaching in the U.S., who works in continental philosophy, history of philosophy, literature, ethics and politics. He will give a series of lectures on Hamlet which will deal with various ‘outsider’ interpretations of the play, notably those of Schelling, Hegel, Nietzsche, Freud, Schmitt, Benjamin and Lacan, as well as providing a close textual engagement with the play itself.

Format

The Summer School, open to graduate students, will be an intense and exclusive working group. Some applications from selected advanced undergraduates will be considered. In order to facilitate discussion and exchange of ideas, the group will be no larger than 15 participants.


General program
The general program of the Summer School will be structured around position papers in which participants are asked to present their research in the area. Simon Critchley will give four lectures and there will be a roundtable with guest speakers (to be announced).

The Summer School will run for 5 working days, Monday to Friday, the weekend before will be free for getting to know each other, reading and some sightseeing. On weekdays we will meet on a regular schedule from 10am to 5.30pm. The detailed schedule with the lectures, presentation and guest lectures will be announced near the end of June.


Preparation
A few months before the Summer School starts participants will be send a reading list of central texts to be read before sessions start. This way we ensure some common basis and background for discussion among participants.


Credits
The summer school can count towards 3 ECTS credits.

Application


Eligibility
The Summer School is open to graduate students in philosophy and related disciplines. Some applications from selected advanced undergraduates will be considered.


Deadline
The deadline for applications is March 16th, 2012. Applicants will be informed whether their application has been successful by early April.


Applications
Applications can be sent:

  • By e-mail to Mark Theunissen:
    theunm57@newschool.edu

  • Or by regular mail to Simon Critchley:
    Department of Philosophy
    The New School for Social Research
    6 E16th Street, Rm. 1118, New York, NY 10003, USA

Applications must include:

  • Current CV (max. 2 pages). Please be sure that your CV contains the relevant contact information.
  • Statement of purpose outlining how your attendance at the Summer School would benefit both the Summer School and your own research (max. 1 page).
  • Abstract of the paper you would like to present at the Summer School (if you wish to present a paper), max. 300 words.

Costs

The nominal fee for the summer school is ¤ 50, - for logistics and administrative costs. However, it does not include the costs for accommodation, excursions, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Information concerning payment will be given when notified about the success of application.


Accommodations
Participants will be lodged at the Auberge de Bonheur in Tilburg close to the university campus. The cost will be max. ¤ 200, -.


Food
Breakfast and Lunch will be available on campus where the sessions take place. Dinner will be available at recommended locations in Tilburg. Additional information about local food and supermarkets will be provided upon arrival.


Local travel
We strongly suggest that participants rent a bicycle. The cost is ¤ 6.50, -/day. Reservations should be made in advance through one of the assistants.


Computer facilities
Wireless internet available in the rooms. Participants will also get an account to log into the computers on the campus, and they will learn where these computers are to be found upon arrival.

Social schedule

A small social program will be organized to accompany the Summer School, including some evening and weekend events. Each participant can decide for each event if they would like to join or not. However, some planned events will only be possible if a large enough number joins. The cost is by approximation, we are trying to reduce the cost where we can.


Social program
The details of the social schedule will be announced in June but will likely include some of the following events we had last year:

  • Drinks at cafe Kadinsky on the night of arrival.
  • Boat trip through the Binnendieze in Den Bosch, 15 min by train from Tilburg. The Binnendieze is a system of channels around the old, medieval, town kernel of Den Bosch. The channels are narrow and often pass under the buildings, which creates a very beautiful and intimate atmosphere.
    Costs: ¤ 18, -
  • Day Excursion to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is approximately 90min from Tilburg by train.
    Costs: ¤ 32, - for the train ticket.
  • Hiking through the dunes and beertasting at Koningshoeve Abbey, home of the brewery of La Trappe beer. The abbey is located at the outskirts of Tilburg about 30min from the University of Tilburg.
    Costs: Brewery tour ¤ 10, -
  • Farewell BBQ.
    Costs: ¤ 15, -
  • Other noteworthy places around Tilburg could be visited after the Summer School. Some suggestions: Museum de Pont in Tilburg, Graphic Design Museum in Breda, Van Abbe Musemum in Eindhoven, De Drunese Duinen - a nature reserve of sandy dunes between Tilburg and Den Bosch, great for a walking tour to reflect upon the past week.

Contact


Director:

  • Simon Critchley, CritchlS@newschool.edu
    Department of Philosophy
    New School for Social Research
    Address:
    6 E16th Street, Rm. 1118, New York, NY 10003, USA

Assistants: