Public lecture series in the fall semester of 2025
Interdisciplinary and topical, this semester the University of Basel is once again offering a diverse range of public lecture series that provide fresh perspectives on both established and emerging questions within a global context.
04 September 2025 | Shania Imboden
Our present is defined by the significant impact humans have on the climate, environment, and ecosystems. The “Anthropocene” refers to a new era characterized by this phenomenon. We are not only shaping our planet, but are also being shaped by its changes. The lecture series Life in the Anthropocene is dedicated to this new era and offers an interdisciplinary perspective from ecological, social, and cultural viewpoints.
Understanding the world through materials
Tools, clothing, or even rooms: to what extent do such materialities influence our thinking, actions, and science? The lecture series Thinking (Further) Through Materialities explores this question. People, words, and ideas are essential to the social sciences. But objects and materials are just as crucial for understanding the world. The event invites participants to reflect on materials that are often overlooked.
Africa's languages, cultures, and their impact
Africa unites many cultures and languages on one continent. In the fall semester, the lecture series Languages and Literatures in Africa: Plural Forms of Living-Together explores how diversity can create conflict, yet also sparks innovation. From power struggles to multilingualism to new language codes: guests from the fields of literature, philosophy, and science from the African continent will share their perspectives in the lecture series.
Reading and writing: more than just basic skills
Reading and writing, which are today considered a matter of general ability, have a long history and significant social implications. The interphilological lecture series titled Literalität: soziale, kognitive und historische Perspektiven auf Lesen und Schreiben explores the practice of reading and writing from historical, cognitive, and sociological viewpoints. It examines the evolution of writing, the influence of new technologies, and the mental processes involved in literacy. Furthermore, the lectures showcase effective methods for teaching reading and writing skills.
Experiencing antiquity today
Where the humanities and natural sciences meet, a wide range of topics emerges. This is the interface addressed by the lecture series Die Zukunft der Antike: Neue Methoden und interdisziplinäre Perspektiven auf die griechisch-römische Welt. It enables us to view antiquity through the lens of modern scientific methods. Methods such as isotope analysis and digital tools reveal how environmental changes, epidemics, and migration shaped life in antiquity. The lecture series demonstrates the relevance of ancient studies in today's world.
How the world is being restructured
The lecture series European Global Studies: Focus on Global Linguistics and the Question of Deglobalization addresses the restructuring of global processes in economics and politics, which has developed particularly since the pandemic. Since then, supply chains and trade routes have been changing: production countries are shifting and new tariffs are altering familiar global processes, which is counteracting globalization. The lecture series examines the topic from various disciplines and outlines possible developments.
Participation in the public lecture series is free of charge and open to anyone interested.
