The Raven Foundation

The second Mimetic Theory Summer School will be held from 15 – 29 July 2012 in Leusden the Netherlands.

The Summer School offers an in depth and interdisciplinary understanding of René Girard’s basic texts and their contexts, and targets students who have some preliminary knowledge of Mimetic Theory as well as those students who want to explore its specific interdisciplinary character. It is a unique opportunity for students to share their interests with each other and to connect with established Girardian scholars in different fields.

Student profile

The Summer School targets Master students and PhD students who intend or consider using Mimetic Theory in their studies, or are otherwise interested in Mimetic Theory. Some preliminary acquaintance with the work of René Girard is required. The number of participants is 25 max.

Teachers

The teaching team includes James Alison (independent scholar Sao Paolo, Brazil), Paul Dumouchel (Ritsumeikan University Kyoto, Japan), and Sandor Goodhart (Purdue University West-Lafayette, US), who have published articles and books on mimetic theory and have taken on the challenge to develop the central insights of the theory in their own fields. Their intimate acquaintance with mimetic theory and with Girard’s teaching style guarantees an inspiring learning experience.

Course content

The course addresses the three core books by René Girard: Deceit, Desire and the Novel, Violence and the Sacred, and Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World.

Having followed the course students: -will have a substantial knowledge of basic texts and concepts;

-will have acquired new methodological skills to analyze texts and cases;

-will have an understanding of the scope and innovative character of the theory.

The course will be taught in English. Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminar groups and individual supervision. Reading assignments will be given before the Summer School proper, as well as during the course. Students are expected to write a proposal for a paper.

Preliminary requirements

Students are expected to have read Deceit, Desire and the Novel, Violence and the Sacred and parts of Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World.

Venue

The International School of Philosophy will host the Summer School. This school, known for its inspiring learning climate, is located 50 kilometres from Amsterdam.

Tuition fee

The tuition fee is € 500, and includes food and lodging. Participants should arrange their own travel and insurance. The tuition fee has to be paid via bank transfer and should be received by 1^st May 2012.

Application and information

If you wish to apply, please, download the application form from the Summer School 2012 website. The application deadline is 1^st March 2012.

For updated information about the programme keep track of MT Summer School 2012 Announcements.

More information on the course and mode of application can be obtained by sending an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .