In present times of political and ideological division and the rise of authoritarianism on a global scale, the Wende Museum and the Thomas Mann House are launching a series of monthly discussions for undergraduate students to be better able to understand and navigate these changes and discourses. Topics under consideration include the crisis of truth; the contested independence of academic and cultural institutions; and the power of narratives to conceptualize change.
Together with a small team from the Wende Museum and the Thomas Mann House, students will prepare each session based on a few sources (texts, podcasts, videos). The final meeting will take the form of a public workshop or panel discussion with specialists in the fields that were touched on throughout the sessions. The participating students will have the opportunity to learn about the field of cultural programming by having access to and close engagement with two leading cultural organizations in Los Angeles. In addition, students will be able to attend exclusive events at both the Thomas Mann House and the Wende Museum and learn about their unique missions.
Starting in January 2027, the meetings will take place every last Friday of the month at 12pm at the Wende Museum’s Community Center in Culver City. Complimentary lunch and drinks will be provided.
If interested, please email both Oliver Hartmann (