Goals

The Center for Intercultural Studies (ZIS) supports research projects, lecture series and symposia which function as mediators between academic departments and disciplines. The Center promotes the study of global cultural phenomena, such as

- migration and mobility
- cultural labeling and self-definition
- cultural contacts and conflicts
- problems of globalization
- all forms of difference, esp. gender.

In addition, ZIS aims to address questions of interculturality in the classroom. It initiates or cooperates in the organization of interdisciplinary courses, teachers' training, guest lectures, guest professorships and the presentation of projects.

ZIS is especially committed to the advancement of junior faculty members and independent scholars. It cooperates with institutions of similar orientation (such as the worldwide Consortium for the Humanities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin), encourages fund-raising efforts, and seeks to collaborate with all organizations which share its goals.

Intercultural Studies

Interculturality is one of the central issues of our time. The coexistence of members of various cultural groups characterizes most modern societies. The conditions of such diversity are prominent issues on the agendas of national and international organizations.

'Interculturality,' as it is used here, denotes the entire scope of communication and interaction between different cultures. 'Culture' is understood as the life world of communities with a common tradition. Most cultures, especially the modern ones, are multicultural in their composition and are defined by intercultural differences.