JOACHIM SCHMIDT WIEWIURA

Country: Denmark
Programme: Project Year (2012)
Email: j.wiewiura@ecla.de

Why did you choose ECLA?
I was going to apply to Freie Universität, also in Berlin, but then I saw an ECLA poster and checked out the website. After reading the description, I immediately decided to apply, because it sounded almost too good to be true. I was especially impressed by the intimacy of the school, facilitated by the small classes and numerous campus activities. Also, of course, the diversity of countries represented in both faculty members and students was an important factor.

What was the most interesting course for you so far and why?
Besides my own project on the metaphysical underpinnings of capitalism, it must be the PY core course on Bildung, where we have explored the philosophy of education and self-cultivation through the German tradition. Reading Humboldt, Schiller, Goethe, Hegel, and Fichte is pure joy.

What's the most important thing you've learned at ECLA?
There is always another question.

What's your favourite activity outside the classroom?
To go out to a bar, play the guitar, or play badminton.

When/if a friend comes to Berlin, where do/would you take them?
To one of Berlin's many incredible museums or, if they have been to these places, on a walk around town: there's always something interesting going on.

In your view, what is the value of a liberal arts education?
On a political level, it is good and beneficial when it assists the production of perspectives which are crucial, but are not normally seen.