Invitation to the study trip and summer school in Bangalore/India in winter semester 2015/16

Dear students of Protestant Theology,

Some of you already know that there is a cooperation agreement between our university and the United Theological College (UTC) in Bangalore. Most recently, a group of lecturers from Bangalore had visited our institute in May 2014. Together with these academic partners, we have now planned a joint Summer School at the UTC for October 2015.

We would like to draw your attention once again to the fact that, as part of the cooperation, we can offer 15 students the opportunity of a financially subsidised 12-day excursion to India from 12-24 October 2015.

The excursion programme will focus on the Reformation anniversary and the related question of a reception of the Reformation in the Indian context as well as the specific Protestant mission history in India. At the same time, the dialogue on the different situations of Christians in the pluralistic societies of India and Germany will be a focal point. The programme is structured as follows: During the first three days, students from the UTC and our university will meet in joint seminars and workshops. The language of instruction will be English. This will be followed by visits and encounters in a Naga migration community and a Pentecostal community formed predominantly by Tamil migrants, which will show us the dimensions of multiple and religious identities within Indian society. Another short excursion with first insights into the structures and living environment of a slum is also planned. Afterwards, we will go on an excursion to Tharangambadi, the former Tranquebar, together with students from the UTC. It is regarded as a "famous" starting point and today's place of remembrance of Protestant missionary activity in India. Against the background of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue in India, we will also visit a Catholic and an Islamic shrine then reflect at the UTC on the impressions gained on this trip. The study tour will conclude with a two-day trip to the state of Kerala, where a meeting with Syrian Orthodox Christians and a visit to their educational institutions are planned.

You again have the opportunity to apply for participation by 31 May 2015 with the following documents:

- Letter of motivation (1-2 Din A4 pages).

- overview of grades

- Confirmation of participation in at least one of the India events that have already taken place or are planned for the summer semester 2015 (below you will find a list of the seminars and lectures that are eligible for this)

Furthermore, a good knowledge of English is a prerequisite for participation. It is therefore advisable to attend one of the seminars with English-language literature by Ms. Kreß.

The study trip is financially supported. Nevertheless, the participating students will have to pay between 350 and 500 euros themselves.

We would like to strongly advise you to consider the physical challenges (including climate, nutrition, vaccination requirements) as well as the hygienic conditions in India, which differ from German standards, before making a possible application. Please also be aware of the possibility of cultural and social differences (including the role of women, caste system).

Please send your application by e-mail to the following address: .

Subject: Study excursion to Bangalore/India

We look forward to receiving your application and your interest.

Yours sincerely and Namaste

Prof. Dr. Ulrike Link-Wieczorek

Prof. Dr. Andrea Strübind