New support association saves Leipzig Literature Institute in the past

New support association saves Leipzig Literature Institute in the past

Leipzig, Deutschland - The German Literature Institute Leipzig (DLL) is currently faced with cuts, which illustrates the need to strengthen institutional support. To counteract this, the new "Institute Society" support association was founded. The focus should be on the support of the DLL and ensure sustainable promotion of literary training. Ulrike Draesner, the first woman who received a permanent position on the DLL in 2018, emphasizes the importance of the institution for the literary landscape. Kerstin Preiwuss also entered the institute in 2021, which further promotes female representation.

Since its foundation in 1955, the DLL has developed into a central address for literary training, initially as an institute for literature "Johannes R. Becher" with the aim of promoting the ideological and artistic training of writers. However, the approach to literature has changed over the years- dystopias and gender and identity issues are more than ever in the focus of the prospective writers. Curiosity on social issues can also be seen in the applications and submitted texts where coming-of-age stories often appear.

historical roots and modern developments

The DLL not only has a rich story, it is also closely linked to the GDR past. The Villa Giesecke, today's headquarters of the institute, has a complex past, including the use of the Stasi. In order to process this story, an exhibition was initiated that makes the connections to city history and literature visible.

originally founded in Western Europe as the first literature institute of its kind, the DLL reached university status in 1958 and became an important place for creative minds. Over 950 students completed their training here between 1955 and 1990. After the revival in 1995, the first graduates received their "bachelor's degree in literary writing", followed by a fundamental restructuring of the range of courses. From the winter semester 2006/07, the diploma course was replaced by the Bachelor's degree. As the Website of the Institute , the focus of the training is on a combination of theory and practicaleminars.

application process and study offers

Interested parties for studying at DLL should be aware that the registration for the aptitude test is only carried out within the specified time frame. Guest participation without passing the aptitude test is excluded. However, there is the opportunity for students at the University of Leipzig to take part in certain cross -faculty modules. Guest audience status is not available, and there are no part-time or online offers at the DLL-the courses take place exclusively in presence.

Applications must be written in German, and all courses are in German. Another point of the application is that proof of a successful aptitude test is required in order to be able to participate in the bachelor's or master's degree. There is no age restriction, and studying can also be started without general university entrance qualification, provided that a special artistic suitability can be demonstrated.