The seminars were offered in June 16-29, 2024, and the overarching topic of the program was CULTURE, POLITICS AND SOCIETIES IN TRANSITION
Programme
Race and Global Migration
Glenda Carpio, Professor of African and African American Studies, the Powell M. Cabot Professor of American Literature and Chair of the Department of English at Harvard University
Politics in a more-than-human world
Martin Crowley, Professor of Modern French Thought and Culture at the University of Cambridge, Anthony L. Lyster Fellow and Director of Studies in Modern and Medieval Languages at Queens’ College
Before and After the New Soviet Man
Justin M. Weir, Curt Hugo Reisinger Professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures, Professor of Comparative Literature
Comments from participants of 2024
The European Cultural Centre of Delphi offers a gorgeous setting for international and interdisciplinary intellectual inquiry. The natural beauty surrounding the Centre’s lovely architecture allows for reflection, both personal and collective, against the background of Delphi’s rich history. One of its hallmarks is to facilitate an intergenerational exchange of ideas, and to thus afford us the time and concentration to ponder the most urgent political, economic, philosophical and cultural questions of our time. In addition, faculty and students can explore how these questions have been considered in institutions across Europe and the United States by sharing their experiences and research. Lunches and dinners offered the opportunity to discuss a broad range of topics in an informal setting. Everyone working at and for the Centre is warm and welcoming and made sure that the program runs smoothly. The experience of teaching at the European Cultural Centre of Delphi is something I won’t soon forget.
Glenda CARPIO
Professor, Harvard University
I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the 2024 seminar on “Culture, Politics, and Societies in Transition” at the Delphi Academy of European Studies. Delphi was inspiring—a stunning backdrop for in-depth conversations about technology, humanism, and posthumanism. It’s hard to imagine a better place for reflection and conversation. The seminar’s emphasis on culture and politics offered many opportunities to discuss how societies navigate complex forces of disruptive change. And the diverse group of students and scholars from different fields ensured a wide range of stimulating discussions, both in and outside the classroom. The summer program at the Delphi Academy of European Studies offers a truly unique and meaningful experience. It is one of a kind!
Justin WEIR
Professor, Harvard University
I am so glad my professor recommended the program to me. The intellectual stimulation from both the faculty and my fellow students has motivated me to seek more of it, especially in connection with my job. I am also thankful for the heaps of useful literature that I will be sure to revisit. The food was also consistently excellent (as one would expect in Greece). The weekend outing to the monastery of Osios Loukas and Arahova was also wonderful.
I would welcome any future opportunities to do the same again!
Stefanos MANTYLA
University of Athens
Due to its interdisciplinary approach, the Delphi Academy of European Studies, served as a great way to broaden my academic interests. The European Cultural Centre of Delphi proved an optimal venue for the program, as participants were encouraged to interact outside lecture hours. I had the chance to interact with dear colleagues from different academic backgrounds, which significantly improved my idea of what Academia is and gave me a glimpse of the academic spirit and ethos.
The Academic Personnel was extremely helpful and approachable as well as open to being challenged by the participants, which made for interesting and challenging sessions.
Tasos TSOCHOS
Panteion University of Greece
The European Cultural Centre at Delphi enjoys the most beautiful location, looking out to the Bay of Itéa and the mountains beyond. The combination of this idyllic setting, the pace of the seminar program, the brilliance of the students, and the quality of hospitality, makes an exceptional environment for sustained reflection and debate.
Martin CROWLEY
Professor, University of Cambridge
The experience at Delphi Academy has been wonderful and very academic.
This residential seminar combined a nice location with great archaeological interest, natural beauty, generous hospitality (with abundant meals) and mostly top professors.
I enjoyed all the days spent with my brilliant fellow students coming from various geographical and disciplinary backgrounds as well as with our 3 professors with whom we were discussing several topics and brainstorming in a relaxed mode.
The structure of the courses was well organized and the pace of the allowed us to visit and admire the treasures of Delphi site.
In addition, the readings and lectures offered to me a vast amount of new knowledge on migration, and politics, whereas the projection of a film indulged me in the Russian cinematography!
During classes, I felt every day that we were a motivated group who was emerging a variety of perspectives to the topics discussed.
The dialogic style of teaching was surely an element that I had missed from the academic environment!
I hope to return and see my fellow students again soon!
Maria GASTERATOU
European University of Cyprus
The Delphi Academy was a top-tier academic experience. The location was unsurpassable in natural beauty and historical resonance. The seminar instructors were talented. The topics were stimulating and expanded my imagination. And seeing how the seminar topics spoke directly to contemporary issues in the Delphi Dialogues was a real highlight. The Dialogues also gave me great insight into Greek politics, as I had some fascinating conversations with other audience members. My most memorable conversation was with the Chinese Ambassador about Greek-Chinese relations and his perceptions of the EU.
I do not think there is room for improvement. I thought the balance between class time and free time was perfect. The food was first-rate. The accommodation was excellent (what a view!) The logistics were well-organized and communicated (special thanks to Tasos). Please forward my deep gratitude to the funders of this program.
Alex HU
King’s College
I found the Academy to be an overwhelmingly positive experience. The high quality of all three professors made the experience special. They each ran an effective debate-centered classroom. And I appreciated the way their seminars meshed nicely under the themes of agency and posthumanism. This gave the Academy a cohesive character and prepared us well for engaging with the content at the Delphi Dialogues.
The day trip to Hosios Loukas was another highlight — perhaps there can be more day trips around Delphi or to Athens in the future?
Also, a shout-out to the team at the Delphi Centre for a wonderful stay.
Aristotle VAINIKOS
King’s College
