Exploring Social Inequality and Historical Insights: A Look at Bamberg’s Academic Landscape

Bamberg University is set to host a series of engaging events,including guest lectures,archaeological colloquiums,and online discussions,offering a rich tapestry of intellectual exploration. From examining social inequalities to delving into the intricacies of Roman construction, these events promise to stimulate thought and foster interdisciplinary dialog. Additionally, the irmler music competition and the “Les Barricades Mistérieuses” concert will provide a platform for artistic expression and recognition.

guest Lecture Series: Unmasking Classism and Social Exclusion

(How) with exclusion processes? Perspectives on social inequality

A critical examination of social participation and equal opportunity is at the heart of the European Ethnology department’s guest lecture series. While anti-discrimination programs and diversity management are prevalent, the often-overlooked issue of classism takes center stage. This series, titled “(how) with exclusion processes? Perspectives on social inequality,” aims to shed light on the socio-economic factors that contribute to exclusion, even within the education system.

The lecture series will feature three distinguished speakers who will offer multi-faceted perspectives on social inequality and its underlying logic. They will introduce key concepts, explore subject-specific approaches, discuss power dynamics, and reflect on their personal experiences within academia. The series kicks off on May 12, 2025, with a lecture by Prof. Dr. Francis Seeck from the Technical University of Nuremberg georg Simon Ohm, titled Classism: The Forgotten Form of Discrimination?

The lectures will be held at varying locations and days, specifically at University 5 (U5), room U5/02.22, Am Kranen 12 (KR12), wedding house and Markusstraße 8a (MG1), room MG1/02.06, 96047 Bamberg. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend.

For more details, visit: www.uni-bamberg.de/euroethno/aktuelles/artikel/gast lecture series2025/

archaeological Colloquium: Unearthing the Secrets of the Roman Empire

Building ceramic for late antiquity Kaiserresidenz Trier-Production, Networks and Building Activity in the mirror of the brick stamps

History enthusiasts and those fascinated by remarkable discoveries will find the archaeological colloquium notably appealing. This series, comprising eight lectures by both German and international researchers, is organized by the archaeological sciences department at the University of Bamberg.

On May 13, 2025, Dr. Thomas Schmidts from the Leiza Museum for Archeology in Mainz will inaugurate the series with a lecture titled Building ceramic for late antiquity Kaiserresidenz Trier-Production, Networks and Building Activity in the mirror of the brick stamps. Using Trier as a case study, Dr. Schmidts will demonstrate the potential of brick stamps in understanding the Roman construction economy.

Trier, known in Roman times as Augusta Treverorum, held notable importance as one of the major cities in the northern provinces of the Roman Empire. During the 4th century,it served as an imperial residence and administrative center,leading to extensive urban redevelopment. Imperial construction projects included a vast palace complex (featuring the renowned “Constantine Basilica”), monumental thermal baths, churches, and supply buildings.

To meet the immense demand for building ceramics, a local brick industry was established, although its precise location remains unknown. However, thousands of stamped bricks have been discovered, providing valuable insights into construction activities and the association of ceramic production. This collection represents one of the most significant assemblages of stamped late antique ceramics in the Roman Empire. Currently, an interdisciplinary project funded by the German Research Foundation, with Dr. Thomas Schmidts as the Principal Investigator, is dedicated to examining these artifacts.

the colloquium will take place at AM Kranen 12, 96047 Bamberg (Kr12), lecture hall kr12/02.18. All are welcome to attend.

Further details can be found at: www.uni-bamberg.de/amanz/news/artikel/programm/

Online Lecture Series: Machine Learning in the historical humanities and Social Sciences

The professorship for digital historical sciences at the University of Bamberg is hosting an online lecture series focused on Machine Learning in the Historical Humanities and Social Sciences, starting May 15, 2025, at 4:15 p.m. This series aims to explore the applications and implications of machine learning techniques within these disciplines.

Additional Events: Irmler music Competition and “Les Barricades Mistérieuses” Concert

beyond the lecture series and colloquiums, Bamberg University also offers a vibrant cultural scene. The Irmler music competition provides a platform for talented musicians to showcase their skills, while the “Les Barricades Mistérieuses” concert promises an evening of captivating musical performance. These events contribute to the university’s rich and diverse academic and cultural surroundings.

Exploring the Intersection of Machine Learning and the Humanities

Bamberg University is set to host a series of lectures during the summer semester of 2025, focusing on the application of machine learning within the historical humanities and social sciences. These sessions aim to illuminate the potential and challenges of integrating mechanical learning processes into these fields.

Machine Learning in Historical Research: A New Frontier

experts from Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium will lead discussions, providing practical examples and critical analyses of this emerging field. The lecture series kicks off on May 15, 2025, with Dr. Angela Huang, head of the research center for the history of the Hanseatic League and the Baltic Sea area in Lübeck, presenting “Hanse Goes Digital: (half) automated manuscript detection and digital evaluation of Hanse sources – experience and perspectives.” This lecture will explore the use of machine learning to analyze historical documents, a technique that could significantly accelerate research and uncover new insights. According to a recent study by the Digital Humanities Association, the use of machine learning in historical research has increased by 40% in the last five years, highlighting its growing importance.

Attendance is free, and interested individuals can register by emailing digihist@uni-bamberg.de.

Celebrating Musical Talent: The Irmler Music Competition

The annual Irmler Music competition, a cornerstone of Bamberg University’s musical life since 1990, will take place on May 16, 2025, at the Irmler Music Hall. This competition, supported by the foundation of the late Dr. hermann Irmler and under the honorary chairmanship of Ms. Bärbel Irmler, showcases soloists, accompanists, and ensembles.

A Legacy of Musical Excellence

The Irmler Music Competition not only enriches the university’s cultural landscape but also serves as a platform for emerging musicians. The public is invited to attend the free performances and witness the talent on display. The competition underscores the university’s commitment to fostering artistic expression and providing opportunities for young musicians to excel.Similar competitions across Europe have seen a surge in participation, reflecting a renewed interest in classical music among younger generations.

A Concert of Mysterious Sounds: “Les Barricades Mistérieuses”

On may 18, 2025, Christoph Schanze will perform “Les Barricades Mistérieuses” at the Irmler Music Hall. This concert explores the intriguing title of François Couperin’s harpsichord piece and its connection to modern minimal music.

Bridging Baroque and Minimalist Music

Couperin’s “Les Barricades Mistérieuses” features an endless-acting sound surface made of broken chords, creating a hypnotic effect.The concert will draw parallels between Couperin’s work and the repetitive structures of minimal music by composers like Philip Glass and Yann Tiersen. The program will also include works by J.S. Bach and other Baroque composers, creating a dialogue between different eras and styles.This innovative approach to concert programming aims to engage audiences with both familiar and unfamiliar sounds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the evolution of music.

The title “Les Barricades Mistérieuses”…is puzzling.An endless -acting sound surface made of broken chords unfolds…It almost seems that François Couperin has anticipated principles of the minimal music that has developed as the 1960s.

tickets are available for €16 (reduced price €8) at the BVD ticket service, the chair for music education and music didactics, and at the box office. The concert is presented in cooperation with Musica Canterey Bamberg eV.