Duration: 3 weeks
Eligibility: All students
The University of Pécs
The University of Pécs, the oldest university in Hungary, was founded in 1367. Today it is one of the largest higher education institutions in the country, offering a wide range of academic programs to approximately 22,000 students across nearly 500 fields of study.
The university manages more than 100 degree programs and preparatory courses for international students taught in English and German. It actively participates in international mobility initiatives and has twice received the European Union’s Erasmus Quality Award in recognition of its achievements in international education.
In addition to full-degree international programs, the University of Pécs organizes a variety of summer schools, winter schools, and short-term programs for incoming international students.
Course Information
Course Title: European Art and Culture – Through the Perspective of a Middle-European Town
This three-week residential winter school program offers a multidisciplinary academic experience for students interested in the history of ideas and the arts.
The course explores major trends in the intellectual and cultural history of Europe. It introduces the classical and Judaeo-Christian traditions as well as key philosophical movements that have shaped European cultural and intellectual thought.
Using the rich cultural heritage of Pécs as a point of reference, the program presents the major historical periods of European culture and art, from ancient times to modernism and contemporary art.
Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the program incorporates perspectives from history, philosophy, art history, religion, urban history, architecture, film, music, and literature. Drawing on the city’s diverse cultural heritage, students will explore museums, World Heritage sites, galleries, and libraries that preserve artworks and architecture spanning from the Roman era to the present day.
Through these experiences, students will have the opportunity to engage closely with historical objects and monuments, uncovering more than 1,500 years of cultural history. The remarkable historical heritage and vibrant contemporary artistic life of Pécs provide an ideal setting for gaining a comprehensive understanding of European cultural and intellectual development.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
Students will gain a foundational understanding of major periods in European history and art, as well as key concepts for interpreting a wide range of artistic works.
Skills
Students will develop the ability to appreciate and analyze artworks from different historical periods, articulate informed interpretations, and evaluate cultural phenomena within a broader intellectual context.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course will be delivered through lectures, seminars, guided discussions, and site-based learning activities.
Assessment
Attendance at lectures and seminars is compulsory. Students will complete a written examination based on the course content.
Social Programs
The University of Pécs organizes a variety of social and cultural activities for participants. These activities provide students with opportunities to learn about Hungarian culture and society while experiencing life in Central Europe.
Students will also have opportunities to interact with both international and Hungarian students at the University of Pécs and to explore the multicultural city of Pécs. A range of cultural events and local activities will take place throughout the program.
