Centre for Aesthetics

Literature at Bielefeld University

Lecture hall slams, readings by authors or simply reading from your favourite book - there are many ways to enjoy language and literature together at the Bielefeld University.

In the "Readings & Lessons" series, a joint event organised by the Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies, the Oberstufenkolleg and the Centre for Aesthetics, renowned authors are invited to the Oberstufenkolleg in Bielefeld once or twice a year. Further readings take place as part of the "Writing Workshop" and in connection with seminars organised by the Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies and in cooperation with the OWL Literary Society.

University, Lecture Hall and poetry - that doesn't go together? Not at all! The Bielefeld University lecture theatre slam (Bielefelder Hörsaalslam) (in German) has established itself as a regular cult event with a mixture of creative word acrobatics, everyday philosophy and curious stories from around the university. Slammers from all over Germany present their works on this evening and vie for the audience's favour in the packed Audimax. The competition thrives on the audience, who decide who makes it to the final and takes home the coveted trophy by voting cards and applause after the five-minute presentations.

As part of the Campus TV (in German) seminar, the well-known Bielefeld University television magazine programme will accompany the creation of the lecture hall slam (Hörsaalslam). Participants in the seminar have the opportunity to experience the conception and running of the event behind the scenes and gain insights into the production of the special programme, including directing, camera technology and film editing.

Every autumn, Bielefeld University hosts a reading night (Lesenacht) (in German), where teaching staff, instructors, lecturers read from their favourite books and discuss them with the audience. The reading night takes place in the university library (entrance U1), with parallel readings at different stations and a special guest for the last reading.