ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP): Dionysian Worlds. Cultic, Artistic, and Literary Images

Did you know that the Dionysian cult was a vivid religion with a great cultural impact in antiquity and postclassical times? Or that some of its most popular figures, such as satyrs and maenads, have shaped our culture in many different ways?

The presence of Dionysus encompasses all literary genres of Antiquity–from Euripides’ Bacchae over orphic hymns to Nonnus of Panopolis’ Dionysiaca. Numerous artifacts, from classical ceramic paintings to late antique tapestry, also testify to the influence of the god and his train in broad sections of the population. In Early Modernity, Painters such as Titian, Velázquez, Jacob Jordaens, and Peter Paul Rubens not only encountered ancient reliefs and sculptures during their stays in Italy but also consciously wove Dionysian motifs into their works related to literary sources (Bacchanals, Satyrs, drunken Silenus, Maenads, wild animals associated to Dionysian religion). They intended to foster a humanistic dialog with these ancient sources, adapting Dionysian ideas to their times. The reflection on Dionysian motifs and ideas also concerns modern times and popular culture.

In the present BIP, international experts will introduce key topics related to understanding Dionysian sources and their impact in postclassical times. In the seminar, we will also discuss the challenges researchers face in fully understanding ancient sources and the potential of classical tradition and ecocritical approaches as methodological tools to elucidate the role of Dionysian mysteries in early modern intellectual circles as well as modern and popular culture.

Within the frame of the BIP, we will also visit the Karlsruhe Collection of Antiquities (Antikensammlung) at the Badisches Landesmuseum and the Collection of Early Modern Art at the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe.

Examination format

We expect regular attendance and engagement in discussions for successful participation in the seminar. Additionally, students must submit an essay (5-6 pages for 3 ECTS, 10-12 pages for 6 ECTS).

Language

The seminar will be held in English. 

Institutions

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Universidad de Salamanca
Université de Strasbourg

Student Profile

The BIP is open to the following academic grades: Bachelor, Master, PhD-Candidates

When and where?

One online-meeting (to be announced)
One week in Karlsruhe: June 30 to July 4, 2025

Coordinators

PD Dr. Dr. Jesús Muñoz Morcillo, Karlsruhe
Prof. Dr. Óscar Prieto Domínguez, Salamanca
Prof. Dr. Alexandre Kostka, Strasbourg

Inscription

Please send an E-Mail to the main organizer Jesús Muñoz Morcillo even if there is a call running at your home university: jesus.munozmorcillo∂kit.edu