Words like “diversity,” “racism,” “inclusion,” and “discrimination” are used a lot today. But what do these words actually mean – for you, for me, and for the society we inhabit together? While each of us likely has some opinion about this already, if we want to develop our opinion into a reasoned position, we need to activate one of the extra special powers we humans have as thinking beings. Enter philosophy, aka “love of wisdom,” aka “thinking for thinking’s sake,“ aka “the art of raising and examining BIG questions” (especially those questions that seem impossible to answer). In this workshop, we will use the superpowers of philosophy to define, examine, and understand diversity and the many other words and ideas related to it.
Some of the philosophical questions to be raised and explored at the workshop include:
What do we mean when we talk about “diversity”?
What does diversity mean to me and to you?
Should we care about diversity and, if so, what are some good ways to promote it?
What does it mean for something or someone to be racist?
What distinguishes racism from other forms of discrimination in society?
Is discrimination always a problem, or can it sometimes be OK to discriminate in a more inclusive way?
is an German-American philosopher, author, speaker, and educator. Formerly a professor of philosophy in the USA, he is now Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Philosophy at the University of Stuttgart, leader of the Philosophy Circle at the Stuttgart Volkshochschule, and director of the Kinderphilosophie program at the Hegel-Haus Museum. He has published numerous articles and essays, along with the book Kant on the Human Animal. He is host of the Deadbeat Philosophy podcast and YouTube channel, co-produced with the Hegel-Haus Museum, and publishes a weekly newsletter— focused on philosophy, politics, and culture—at deadbeatphilosophy.substack.com.
Im Rahmen des Festivals der Kulturen laden wir euch zu einer Silent Disco am Marktplatz ein. DJ Fernandisis legt dafür ihre spezielle Mischung aus Latin, House und Indie Dance auf. Ihre lateinamerikanischen Wurzeln prallen hierbei auf globale elektronische Musik. Raue spanische Vocals und treibende Percussion verschmelzen auf dem Dancefloor, bis nur noch der reine Ausdruck zählt. Hier wird jede*r Teil des Rhythmus! Und da es sich um eine Silent Disco handelt, kann sowohl gefeiert als auch in Ruhe connected werden.
Einmal im Jahr verwandelt sich der Stuttgarter Marktplatz in eine bunte, interkulturelle Arena aus Musik, Tanz, Kulinarischem und Kunsthandwerk aus aller Welt – das Sommerfestival der Kulturen bringt Menschen zusammen, um die kulturelle Vielfalt der Landeshauptstadt zu feiern.
Location: Jugendhaus Mitte, Hohe Str. 9, 70174 Stuttgart Admission: free Language: English Registration: via anmeldung@daz.org
Do you want to celebrate American culture? Meet new friends? Enjoy fun activities while speaking English? Are you between the ages of 14 and 17? Then you should join our Youth Club!
Elena, an American who is originally from Oregon, leads the group. Our monthly meetings focus on typical American activities and newcomers are always welcome!
Jugendhaus Mitte
Our Youth Club takes place in cooperation with Jugendhaus Mitte, a youth center in downtown Stuttgart.
In July, our Let’s Read! session will take place at a very special location: In cooperation with the Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg, we invite you to an event that brings literature to the museum.
We will begin with a guided tour of the exhibition “Frei schwimmen” (“Free Swimming”), which explores the cultural and historical significance of swimming and public pools in society. Afterwards, we will discuss Julie Otsuka’s novel The Swimmers right there at the museum.
In The Swimmers, Julie Otsuka tells the moving story of Alice, a woman slowly losing her memory to dementia, and her daughter, who struggles to care for her and reach her as she slips away. When a mysterious crack appears at the bottom of Alice’s local pool, her daily routine of swimming laps and the sense of belonging among fellow swimmers is disrupted. Alice is left to confront memories of her childhood in a Japanese internment camp. Otsuka crafts a sensitive portrait of memory, loss, and the fragile narratives that shape who we are.
We look forward to a thoughtful discussion in this unique setting, exploring the connections between the exhibition and the novel.
Please note: There is an admission for the guided tour at the museum; however, participation of the tour is optional. The group meeting afterwards is free.
Die Tagung beleuchtet die Zeit nach 1945 in Deutschland und Stuttgart aus der Sicht der Akteurinnen und Akteure von damals: jüdische Überlebende, die amerikanische Militärregierung, die deutsche Nachkriegsgesellschaft, die internationale Gemeinschaft. Vier Foren beschäftigen sich mit den verschiedenen Themen. Die Sicht auf die Vergangenheit soll dabei auch die Sicht auf die Gegenwart schärfen und im abschließenden Podiumsgespräch das jüdische Leben in Deutschland damals und heute in den Blick genommen werden.
Programm:
9:30 Uhr Einführung in die Tagung Tina Fuchs (Stuttgart), Josefine Geib (Frankfurt a. M.)
10:00 Uhr Parallele Foren I/Führung
Forum 1: Erziehung zur Demokratie? Die amerikanischen „Re-Education“-Maßnahmen Referentin: Prof. Dr. Katharina Gerund (Zürich), Moderation: Prof. Dr. Annette Weinke (Jena)
Forum 2: „Ein Leben aufs Neu“. Jüdische Überlebende in den westlichen Besatzungszonen Referentin: Dr. Susanne Urban (Marburg), Moderation: Josefine Geib (Frankfurt a. M.)
Forum 3: Nach Hitler. Die deutsche Gesellschaft in der Besatzungszeit zwischen Entnazifizierung, Schuldabwehr und Kontinuitäten Referent: PD Dr. Tobias Freimüller (Frankfurt a. M.), Moderation: Nikolaus Freimuth (Frankfurt a. M.)
Führung durch die Dauerausstellung des „Hotel Silber“ Friedemann Rincke (Stuttgart)
11:15 Uhr Parallele Foren II/Führung
Forum 2: „Ein Leben aufs Neu“. Jüdische Überlebende in den westlichen Besatzungszonen Referentin: Dr. Susanne Urban (Marburg), Moderation: Nikolaus Freimuth (Frankfurt a. M.)
Forum 3: Nach Hitler. Die deutsche Gesellschaft in der Besatzungszeit zwischen Entnazifizierung, Schuldabwehr und Kontinuitäten Referent: PD Dr. Tobias Freimüller (Frankfurt a. M.), Moderation: Prof. Dr. Katharina Gerund (Zürich)
Forum 4: Umgang mit Menschheitsverbrechen. Der Nürnberger Prozess der Alliierten und der Weg zum humanitären Völkerrecht Referentin: Prof. Dr. Annette Weinke (Jena), Moderation: Josefine Geib (Frankfurt a. M.)
Führung durch die Dauerausstellung des „Hotel Silber“
Friedemann Rincke (Stuttgart)
13:30 Uhr Podiumsdiskussion: Jüdisches Leben in Deutschland: Nach dem Krieg und heute Prof. Dr. Atina Grossmann (New York), Arkadij Khaet (Duisburg), Moderation: Alon Bindes (Stuttgart), Josefine Geib (Frankfurt a. M.)
Ort:Haus der Geschichte BW, Otto-Borst-Saal Dauer: 18:00 – 20:00 Uhr Eintritt: frei Sprache: Deutsch Anmeldung:hier
Die Tagung beleuchtet die Zeit nach 1945 in Deutschland und Stuttgart aus der Sicht der Akteurinnen und Akteure von damals: jüdische Überlebende, die amerikanische Militärregierung, die deutsche Nachkriegsgesellschaft, die internationale Gemeinschaft. Vier Foren beschäftigen sich mit den verschiedenen Themen. Die Sicht auf die Vergangenheit soll dabei auch die Sicht auf die Gegenwart schärfen und im abschließenden Podiumsgespräch das jüdische Leben in Deutschland damals und heute in den Blick genommen werden.
Programm: Filmvorführung + Diskussion: Der gerettete Rest
18:00 Uhr Begrüßung
Dr. Cornelia Hecht-Zeiler (Stuttgart)
Grußwort
Muhterem Aras MdL, Präsidentin des Landtags von Baden-Württemberg
18:15 Uhr Filmvorführung „Der gerettete Rest“ (engl. OV)
19:45 Uhr kurze Pause
20:00 Uhr Diskussion mit Filmemacherin Tina Fuchs (Stuttgart) und Historikerin Josefine Geib (Frankfurt a. M.)
Location: Zoom Admission: Free Language: English Registration: Please register via anmeldung@daz.org
In June Let’s Read will discuss We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian.
In this queer historical romance set in New York in 1959, Cat Sebastian tells the story of the development of the romance between a reporter and the son of the owner of the newspaper he works for. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of the newsroom, highlighting both the personal and professional challenges they face. The story is a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and resilience, celebrating queer joy amidst societal constraints.
Location:Liszt Institut, Christophstr. 7, 70178 Stuttgart Language: English Admission: Free Registration: here
What is Tom Hanks looking for in the eighth district? Why does the street scene in the background of one of the most popular James Bond action films look so familiar? How can it be that you are walking through the streets of Budapest and are suddenly surrounded by Cyrillic letters or Angelina Jolie comes towards you – and you have the feeling of being in another time and another country? In recent decades, Budapest and Hungary have become one of the most popular locations for international film productions. World-famous films such as Evita, Red Heat, Die Hard and Dune were shot here. But which other films were made in Budapest without us ever knowing it?
In her lecture, Dr. Anna Irimiás, lecturer at Corvinus University, provides exciting insights into the multifaceted film career of the Hungarian capital and uses short film clips to show why Budapest and Hungary are so attractive not only for tourists but also for filmmakers.
is a lecturer at Corvinus University in Budapest. Her teaching and research focuses on tourism management, with a particular focus on consumer behavior. Most recently published: Caring wings of hospidarity: Creating safe transitional spaces through hospitality alliances, 2025
Are you “booked” for Friday afternoon? Mark your calendars because we are hosting our next English Book Swap – and it’s summer themed!
It’s pretty simple: exchange paperbacks and hardcovers that are taking up your shelf space for new reading material. And meet other avid readers in the process.
Literature-inspired snacks and cold beverages are taken care of. Bring your books and all your friends!
As part of this bookish experience, our English library will be open late for you – until 7 pm!
How to participate:
You can submit up to five of your own books and then take up to five different ones. Please bring only English books that are in good condition. All genres are welcome – fiction, non-fiction, young adult literature, children’s books, etc.
We can’t wait to see familiar and new faces again!
Please note: This event will be documented with event photography and videography.
Location:Kulturzentrum Merlin e.V., Augustenstraße 72, 70178 Stuttgart Admission: 7€, get tickets here. Language: English
DYLANOLOGY is an evening dedicated to Bob Dylan and the songwriters / musicians that he was influenced by and who influenced him – featuring members from all eras of the DARK MONDAY @ MERLIN musical history!
Music has played an important role in the DARK MONDAY @ MERLIN series from the very beginning. There have been evenings dedicated to George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Tom Lehrer, John Lennon, Rod McKuen, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Greenwich Village Folk 1963, Barber Shop Quartet, Depression Era Swing and much more.
The musical formations involved in these performances have ranged from the The Gershwinites Two After 909, Spiral Running, The Greenwich Village Players, The Stuttgart Harmonizers, The Tolling Thunder Revue, Her & Him, The Woody Sez Orchestra, The Angry Housewives String Quartett, Stäffeles Banjorutscher, and of course The Dark Monday Orchestra.
Location: Deutsch-Amerikanisches Zentrum, Charlottenplatz 17, 70173 Stuttgart Admission: Free Languages: English and German Registration: Please register in advance via pmiko@web.de
Our “bee” has nothing to do with insects – but we do like to keep as busy as the little critters. The Baltimore Beauties are an informal and international handicraft group. We are interested in hand sewing, knitting, quilting, and crocheting. We speak both German and English at our get-togethers.
Location: Deutsch-Amerikanisches Zentrum, Charlottenplatz 17, 70173 Stuttgart Admission: Free Languages: English and German Registration: Please register in advance via pmiko@web.de
Our “bee” has nothing to do with insects – but we do like to keep as busy as the little critters. The Baltimore Beauties are an informal and international handicraft group. We are interested in hand sewing, knitting, quilting, and crocheting. We speak both German and English at our get-togethers.
Ort: Bibliothek des ifa, Charlottenplatz 17, Stuttgart Sprache: Deutsch Eintritt: Frei Anmeldung: unter anmeldung@daz.org
Schon in seiner ersten Amtszeit pflegte Donald Trump ein ambivalentes Verhältnis zu Medien. Auch nach seiner Rückkehr ins Weiße Haus zeigt sich, dass das Zusammenspiel zwischen Präsidentschaft und Presse weiterhin konfliktgeladen ist.
Prof. Dr. Klaus Kamps analysiert in seinem Vortrag die aktuelle Situation des politischen Journalismus in den USA und ordnet zentrale Entwicklungen medienpolitisch ein. Dabei steht die Frage im Zentrum, wie sich der politische Umgang mit Medien verändert hat – und welche Konsequenzen dies für die demokratische Öffentlichkeit hat. Wird journalistische Arbeit systematisch unter Druck gesetzt? Welche Rolle spielen soziale Medien in der politischen Kommunikation? Und wie steht es aktuell um die Pressefreiheit in den Vereinigten Staaten?
ist Kommunikations- und Politikwissenschaftler und seit Februar 2014 Professor für Kommunikationswissenschaft an der Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart. Er studierte Politik-, Medien- und Kommunikationswissenschaft in Düsseldorf, DeKalb (USA) sowie Christchurch (Neuseeland). Von 2001 bis 2003 leitete er die Stabsstelle Medien und Telekommunikation in der Staatskanzlei Düsseldorf. Lehrtätigkeiten führten ihn unter anderem nach Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf und St. Gallen; zudem übernahm er Vertretungsprofessuren in Münster und Erfurt. In seiner Forschung und Lehre konzentriert er sich auf politische Kommunikation, Medienpolitik, Demokratie und Öffentlichkeit, informelle Kommunikation sowie insbesondere auf politische Kommunikation in den USA. Zuletzt erschien sein Werk: Das Mediensystem der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika. UTB, 2023.
Foto: privat
Location: Jugendhaus Mitte, Hohe Str. 9, 70174 Stuttgart Admission: free Language: English Registration: via anmeldung@daz.org
Do you want to celebrate American culture? Meet new friends? Enjoy fun activities while speaking English? Are you between the ages of 14 and 17? Then you should join our Youth Club!
Elena, an American who is originally from Oregon, leads the group. Our monthly meetings focus on typical American activities and newcomers are always welcome!
Jugendhaus Mitte
Our Youth Club takes place in cooperation with Jugendhaus Mitte, a youth center in downtown Stuttgart.
Lange Zeit galt die amerikanische Sicherheitsgarantie als Grundpfeiler europäischer Stabilität. Militärische Bündnisse, wirtschaftliche Offenheit und gemeinsame Werte bildeten das Fundament der transatlantischen Partnerschaft. Doch diese Grundsätze geraten zunehmend ins Wanken.
In seinem Vortrag analysiert Dr. Marco Overhaus den Zustand der „Pax Americana“ und beleuchtet, warum Europa gefordert ist, seine sicherheitspolitische Abhängigkeit von den USA zu überdenken. Was bedeutet der schwindende Einfluss liberal-demokratischer Prinzipien in der amerikanischen Außenpolitik für Europa? Und welche Optionen hat die EU, um außen- und sicherheitspolitisch eigenständiger zu agieren?
Dr. Marco Overhaus ist Wissenschaftler in der Forschungsgruppe Amerika der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) in Berlin. Er forscht seit vielen Jahren zur Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik der USA sowie zu Themen der europäischen Sicherheit. Weitere berufliche Stationen waren der Planungsstab des Auswärtigen Amts sowie die RAND-Corporation in Washington D.C.
Foto: Linda Köhler-Sandring
Location: DAZ, Charlottenplatz 17, 70173 Stuttgart Duration: 11.00 – 13.00 Entrance: free Target audience: grade 10 and up Registration: Please register at school@daz.org
How should we deal with the legacies of controversial public figures? Should we celebrate historical figures like James F. Byrnes, despite their partly problematic pasts? Can we separate an artist’s work from their personal life, or should modern celebrities like P. Diddy or J.K. Rowling be held accountable for their controversial actions? How do we decide if legacies deserve to be remembered or should be erased?
Join us for an engaging event during which students explore these complex questions through interactive and constructive discussion. In this dynamic format, students vote on controversial issues by positioning themselves in the room. By sharing their ideas and arguments, students try to understand different positions and reach compromises with each other. This is a unique opportunity to challenge your views, refine your arguments, and engage in meaningful dialogue with fellow students.
Location: DAZ, Charlottenplatz 17, 70173 Stuttgart Duration: 17:30-20:00 Admission: 10 euros, 7 euros (DAZ members), free admissions for teachers in training Target Audience: Teachers & future teachers Language: English Registration: Please register via school@daz.org
In the past, autocratization usually occurred quickly through coup attempts or foreign attacks. Today, in many countries, this is often a gradual process where democratically elected decision-makers slowly weaken and dismantle democratic institutions from within.
Why is the separation of powers essential for democracy? What significance do fundamental rights like freedom of the press and freedom of expression hold in our daily lives? And what could happen if these rights were infringed?
Using the dynamic teaching method of process drama, participants will experience and understand how a democracy is transformed into a totalitarian system. This is not acting in its traditional sense (no acting skills are necessary) – it is rather about the willingness to take on different perspectives in short exercises, like freeze-frames or dialogues. Participants will also reflect on their experiences and discuss what they have learned and its implications for the democracy they live in.
is Head of the Department for Modern Foreign Languages at the Seminar for Teacher Training and Further Education (Gymnasium) Stuttgart, Germany. In the context of teacher training, she is particularly committed to the use of drama pedagogy in foreign language teaching and offers workshops for trainee teachers. Silke holds an M.Ed. in Drama in Education from Trinity College Dublin. In addition to her work in teacher training, she has been teaching English as a foreign language at a high school in Stuttgart since 2006, where she also led the drama group for over 10 years.
“In English, please …” Do you miss talking English with other adults? Or are you an American teacher living in the Stuttgart area and would like to meet your local colleagues? Our Teachers’ Lounge is the perfect opportunity to do so!
We meet once a month to talk about school topics, classroom challenges, or whatever your teacher’s heart desires. One of our American teachers will be there to get the conversation started.
In this session, we will delve into the world of educational technology and discover tools that can enhance learning in your English and bilingual classrooms. From interactive apps to collaborative platforms, we’ll discuss how to integrate technology to boost student engagement.
Der Traum vom High School Jahr in den USA wird für zwei Jugendliche aus dem Regierungsbezirk Stuttgart demnächst wieder wahr – dank unseres Hope-Stipendiums. Seit über 20 Jahren begleiten wir Jugendlichen mit unserem Stipendien-Programm auf ihrem Weg ins „Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten“.
Am 10. Juli zeichnen wir die Stipendiat*innen des Jahrgangs 2025/26 offiziell aus und freuen uns jetzt schon sehr darauf, sie damit in ihr USA-Abenteuer zu entsenden. Gemeinsam mit unseren Partnern AFS Interkulturellen Begegnungen e.V. laden wir Familienangehörige, Freund*innen, Alumni und Sie herzlich dazu ein!
Please note: This event has been rescheduled. Originally, it was scheduled for April 9, 2025. It will now take place on July 09, 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Location:DAZ, Charlottenplatz 17, 70173 Stuttgart Admission: Free Language: English Registration: via anmeldung@daz.org
If you love reading and discussing young adult literature, come visit our Talking Books session in April! We will be discussing We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds.
The story follows Avery, who is both queer and biracial, as she travels back to Bardell County, Georgia with her parents to help care for her terminally ill grandmother. As she spends time there, she learns of many buried secrets, both the town’s and her family’s. In the 2023 Winner of the Coretta Scott King – John Steptoe Award for New Talent, Hammonds tells a complex story of mystery, romance, and a town’s racist history.
Ort:Weltcafé, Charlottenplatz 17, 70173 Stuttgart Admission: Free Language: English Registration: Please register via anmeldung@daz.org
Join English-speaking people from all over the world who meet once a month for good and casual conversation. Whether you are a native speaker or a learner of English, a returning member, or a fresh face – everyone is welcome at our table.
Ort:Weltcafé, Charlottenplatz 17, 70173 Stuttgart Admission: Free Language: English Registration: Please register via anmeldung@daz.org
Join English-speaking people from all over the world who meet once a month for good and casual conversation. Whether you are a native speaker or a learner of English, a returning member, or a fresh face – everyone is welcome at our table.
Location: Hybrid – at the DAZ or via Zoom Admission: Free Language: English Registration: If you are a newcomer, please get in touch with Jadi.Campbell@t-online.de
We are writers! Every month we – a group of writers – get together to read what we’ve written and to share our writing experiences and ideas with one another.
Our writing includes a range of different genres – from short stories and poems to autobiographical tales and much more.
We present our work at public readings on a regular basis.
Juni 2025
Donnerstag
12.06. 19.00 Uhr
Let’s Read! June
Are you interested in reading American literature? Then join our literature discussion series! Our pick for june is „We could be So Good“ by Cat Sebastian.
Presse unter Druck: Politischer Journalismus in den USA zwischen Konfrontation und Kontrolle
Prof. Dr. Klaus Kamps analysiert in seinem Vortrag die aktuelle Situation des politischen Journalismus in den USA und ordnet zentrale Entwicklungen medienpolitisch ein.
Using the dynamic teaching method of process drama, participants of this teacher training will experience and understand how a democracy is transformed into a totalitarian system.
Do you want to experience American culture, practice your English, enjoy fun activities, and meet new friends with similar interests? Then join our Youth Club!
Die Tagung beleuchtet die Zeit nach 1945 in Deutschland und Stuttgart aus der Sicht der Akteurinnen und Akteure von damals: jüdische Überlebende, die amerikanische Militärregierung, die deutsche Nachkriegsgesellschaft, die internationale Gemeinschaft.
Die Tagung beleuchtet die Zeit nach 1945 in Deutschland und Stuttgart aus der Sicht der Akteurinnen und Akteure von damals: jüdische Überlebende, die amerikanische Militärregierung, die deutsche Nachkriegsgesellschaft, die internationale Gemeinschaft.
Lange Zeit galt die amerikanische Sicherheitsgarantie als Grundpfeiler europäischer Stabilität. Militärische Bündnisse, wirtschaftliche Offenheit und gemeinsame Werte bildeten das Fundament der transatlantischen Partnerschaft. Doch diese Grundsätze geraten zunehmend ins Wanken.
Keep, Change, or Cancel: How We Deal with Controversial Figures
Should we separate an artist’s work from their actions? Should controversial figures be held accountable? Join us for an interactive debate for schools — vote, challenge ideas, and find common ground!
If you love reading and discussing young adult literature, come visit our Talking Books session in July! We will be discussing „We Deserve Monuments“ by Jas Hammonds.
Der Traum vom High School Jahr in den USA wird für zwei Jugendliche aus dem Regierungsbezirk Stuttgart demnächst wieder wahr – dank unseres Hope-Stipendiums.
Join us at the Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg for a guided tour of the exhibition „Frei schwimmen“, followed by a discussion of Julie Otsuka’s novel The Swimmers.
Fantasyland Budapest – Hollywood on the Banks of the Danube
Dr. Anna Irimiás provides exciting insights into the multifaceted film career of the Hungarian capital and uses short film clips to show why Budapest is so attractive for tourists and filmmakers alike.
What’s the Deal with Diversity? Let’s Talk Philosophy!
What do diversity, racism, inclusion, and discrimination really mean—for you, for me, and for our society? In this workshop, we’ll use the superpowers of philosophy to define, examine, and understand these big ideas. Get ready to think for thinking’s sake and explore the tough questions that shape our world!
Do you want to experience American culture, practice your English, enjoy fun activities, and meet new friends with similar interests? Then join our Youth Club!
