Image generated by AI
Colloquium
Saturday 19 October 2024, 10.30-17.30 · Sala Boccadoro, Montagnola
Literature is not only a product of its time, but also offers a mirror through which people of the present can reflect themselves. The Museo Hesse Montagnola has organized a symposium on Hermann Hesse that aims to bring together two generations – the Baby Boomers and Generation Z – in the name of literature. The Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) grew up in the analog era with Hesse's works such as Siddhartha and Steppenwolf. Generation Z (born between 1994 and 2010) grew up with digital media at a time when globalization was also shaping the book market. This age group is particularly sensitive to gender issues, and criticizes stereotypical role models, while showing a selective return to more traditional values and analog media. Concerns about climate and a more equitable society are central to them - themes that also find resonance in Hesse's work.
The symposium offers a unique opportunity to foster intergenerational dialogue and discover the diversity of literary perspectives. It will be fascinating to observe how the two generations can explore the themes of Hesse's texts together and learn from each other. One of the goals of the event is to constructively process differences in interpretations of Hesse's work: how perceptions of his texts have evolved over time will be discussed. At the same time, the goal is to ensure that the major existential themes found in his works continue to resonate powerfully in the contemporary world.
🗣 All lectures and presentations will be given either in Italian or German, with each speaker using their respective language. A summary translation will be rendered for each presentation. The only exception is the final lecture, which will be delivered in English without translation.
Program
10:30-11:15 | Welcome and introductory lecture: (We must) talk about Hesse: the author in the intergenerational discourse between Baby Boomers and Gen-Z | By Andreas Solbach (DE/IT)
11.15-11.35 | Thematic Block 1: The First Encounter with Hermann Hesse | Imput by Volker Michels (DE/IT) and Roberta Bisogno (IT/DE)
11:35-12:45 | Thematic Block 2: Hesse at the Second Look: Getting involved with the author and his themes. (How) does it happen? Motivating and demotivating aspects | Imput by Yvonne Wolf (DE/IT) followed by discussion with Alessia Punzo, Dieter Gottschling, Maximilian Leitner and Yvonne Wolf
Individual lunch break
13:45-14:45 | Thematic Block 3: Imagining Hesse: the author as our contemporary | Q&A with Stella N'Djoku, Dieter Gottschling, Andreas Solbach, Maximilian Leitner, Volker Michels and Roberta Bisogno
Coffee Break
15:15-16:45 | Thematic Block 4: Identity, Identification, Psychology, and the Literary Learning Process: literature between existential nourishment, entertainment, and object of study with the example of Steppenwolf and Siddhartha | Imput by Cesare Gurrado (IT/DE) followed by discussion with Sahib Kapoor, Vera Solbach, Maximilian Leitner, Dieter Gottschling, and Volker Michels
Coffee break
17:15-18.00 | Guest lecture: Hermann Hesse in the Context of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence | Ingo Cornils (EN)
An aperitif will be offered at the close.
The symposium is moderated by journalist Natascha Fioretti.
You can participate in the day remotely (starting at 10:30 a.m.) by clicking on the following link:
ID meeting: 880 3514 6066
Access code: 382567
CALL FOR PAPERS!
This Call for Papers is aimed at young scientists (<30). Topic of the symposium: What makes Hermann Hesse your contemporary counterpart? Submissions for short lectures, lectures and/or workshops in German, Italian or English can be sent by e-mail to info@hessemontagnola.ch. We are looking forward to many suggestions! To read more >>
With the support of
