Why Reemtsma?
A question that is easy to answer for initiator and planner Prof. Dr Christian Klein from the Centre for Narrative Research at the University of Wuppertal: "He almost ideally embodies the man of letters and scientist in one person, with an independent view of social phenomena - without conventions of thought, as surprisingly humorous as he is often unexpectedly provocative." Once again, this is a stroke of luck for event visitors and students! "In 2022, we had a more "narrative" lecturer in Marcel Beyer," explains Klein. Carolin Emcke brought a strong political flavour to 2023. Jan Philipp Reemtsma now adds a social science component, for example with the topical question of why society needs heroes and where it finds them.

Poetry lectureship creates encounters with realities and renowned authors
At the start of the semester, numerous students once again enrolled in this unique seminar programme. They begin by analysing the texts of the respective lecturer, which are based on facts and claim to tell of reality: newspaper articles or biographies, for example. "The boundaries between fictional and factual storytelling can rarely be drawn clearly," says Klein, "resulting in very unique and artistic contributions. The highlight and equally exciting and new experience for both sides is getting to know each other personally and exchanging ideas.