STUDIUM GENERALE
Studium Generale offers a programme of lectures, debates and talkshows, lecture series, art, film, theatre and we organise the biennial PAS Festival.
In 2024, Studium Generale launched the dialogue platform Omnium, which offers a programme by the university community reflecting on societal issues through dialogues, debates and discussions.
Scroll down for an overview of our upcoming (English) program.
Heb je interesse in ons Nederlandstalig programma? Verander rechtsboven de taal van de website.
The Good (and Bad) of Boredom | Lecture
TUE 9 SEPTEMBER, 20:00
Auditorium, Tongersestraat 53
Register (free)
In this lecture, you will learn that boredom is an important part of everyday functioning, and, in the right contexts, actually has several benefits. So, join us for this night and learn why it’s advantageous to put your phone down every now and then.
The Relativistic Quantum World | Lecture Series
WED 10, 17 AND 24 SEP, AND 1 AND 8 OCT – 19.30 TO 21.30
Karl Dittrich Hall, Student Services Centre, Bonnefantenstraat 2
Register
Have you ever wondered about the concepts of Relativity Theory and Quantum Mechanics? In this lecture series of ten 1-hour lectures, given on five evenings, we will discuss the fundamental concepts of these intriguing physics theories in depth, but without having to go through intricate mathematics derivations.
Via the physics of antimatter and the Higgs particle, we address the question: How can it be that a universe filled with matter exists in the first place? Be prepared to learn that the relativistic quantum world is fundamentally different to the macroscopic world we are used to.
Human Rights | Lecture Series
THU 11, 18, 25 SEP, AND 2 AND 9 OCT – 19:30 TO 21:30
Karl Dittrich Hall, Student Services Centre, Bonnefantenstraat 2
Register
Human Rights is a topic that is constantly on the agenda. We keep hoping things will change for the better, but atrocities are daily news. Uprisings and big political changes can lead to better human rights conditions, but also to war and crimes against humanity. This series of lectures will explore the significance of human rights in a globalising world. The lectures will demonstrate how human rights are increasingly becoming an instrument with which to challenge the negative side effects of globalisation.
Geoengineering: a Technofix for the Climate? | TechLec - Double Lecture
TUE 23 SEPTEMBER, 20:00
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Register (free)
Is it possible to cool down the Earth with technology? During this double lecture, two speakers will explore the theme of geoengineering from different perspectives. The first is about solar radiation modification and the second is about political questions about geoengineering.
The Shadow Scholars | Film & Talk
TUE 30 SEPTEMBER, 19:30
Lumière Cinema, Bassin 88
Tickets
Behind the scenes of global academia, a hidden industry thrives—where highly educated Kenyans write essays for Western students. In The Shadow Scholars, Oxford professor Patricia Kingori travels to Nairobi to investigate this surprising industry. What starts as an inquiry into academic ghost writing soon reveals a deeper story — one tied to inequality, colonial history, and the global job market.
Luxemburgisch – Vom Dialekt zur Sprache, mit Vergleichen zum Limburgischen | Dr. Lou Spronck Vortrag und Panel
DO 2 OKTOBER, 20.00 Uhr
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Registrieren (gratis)
Das Luxemburgische hat sich im Laufe den Anfängen des 19. Jh. von einem moselfränkischen Dialekt zu einer eigenständigen Nationalsprache entwickelt. Im Vergleich dazu soll ansatzweise das Limburgische betrachtet werden – ein Dialekt, der in den Niederlanden und Belgien gesprochen und seit 1997 offiziell als Regionalsprache anerkannt ist. Trotz dieser Anerkennung hat sich das Limburgische nicht in ähnlicher Weise weiterentwickelt wie das Luxemburgische.
Der Vortrag vergleicht beide Fälle und zeigt, welche Rolle Faktoren wie Staatsgrenzen, Dialektvielfalt, Institutionen, Schriftgebrauch und Sprachideologien für die unterschiedliche Entwicklung gespielt haben.
Dutch Dance Days | Dance Visit
FRI 3 TO THU 9 OCTOBER
Various locations in Maastricht
The Nederlandse Dansdagen celebrates the unprecedented diversity and quality of Dutch dance, presenting a range of dance performances from classical ballet to urban, from avant-garde to modern dance, from master to young talent and from performance art to dance for young audiences.
For 7 days Maastricht will become the stage for everyone who wants to dance, battle, club themselves, or just enjoy dance nearby.
From Myths to Memes: The Diffusion of (Pseudo-)Scientific Beliefs | Lecture
MON 6 OCTOBER, 20:00
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Register (gratis)
In this lecture, Stefaan Blancke will explore the diffusion of (pseudo-)scientific beliefs and the factors that contribute to human susceptibility to irrational beliefs. It will become clear that people are in fact quite sceptical and selective about the sort of beliefs they adopt. Why then do irrational beliefs persist?
NOW WE ARE EARTH | Dance Visit
THU 9 OCTOBER, 20:00 – 21:40
Vrijthof Theatre, Vrijthof 47
Tickets (only for students)
In times dominated by doomsday scenarios, Beutler visualizes future for humanity on this planet. Performers and audience come together in an eco-futuristic celebration of connection. With a team of 8 dancers/singers and a large local choir, this piece will be a happening of voicing and moving togetherness, a dream of a possible future.
Nationale Reisopera: Second Love | Opera Visit
TUE 14 OCTOBER, 19:30
Vrijthof Theatre, Vrijthof 47
Tickets (only for students)
Studium Generale and The Vrijthof Theatre are teaming up to offer students a unique opportunity to go to the opera – at a quarter of the normal price!
Composers Gerald Barry and Jan-Peter de Graaff explore love and betrayal from two different angles: The Stronger and Hagar.
Citizen Sleuth | Film & Talk
TUE 21 OCTOBER, 19:30
Lumière Cinema, Bassin 88
Tickets
Citizen Sleuth follows Emily Nestor and her “Mile Marker 181” podcast, as she conducts an amateur murder investigation into the death of Jaleayah Davis. The film examines the ethics of the true crime genre through Emily’s pursuits of her own top suspects. With a growing audience of millions, Emily’s podcast becomes a hit, but as she probes deeper into the case, she’s confronted with a new truth she struggles to tell her listeners. Told in real time, this documentary chronicles the rise, fall and redemption of a podcaster in the new media landscape.
Art Meets Science #5: Myths and Current Affairs | Conversation
SUN 26 OCTOBER, 14:00
Bonnefanten, Avenue Ceramique 250
Register (Free entry with valid museum admission ticket)
In cooperation with Bonnefanten, Studium Generale organises special encounters between art and science. Our guest this time is the artist Mounira Al Solh (Beirut, 1978). Together with a researcher, we will talk about different aspects of her work that is often a reflection of a world that bears the deep marks of oppression and abuse of power.
Russia's War Against Ukraine: How Does it End? | Lecture
MON 27 OCTOBER, 20:00
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Register (free)
In this lecture, the former Commanding General of the US Army troops in Europe, Ben Hodges, will make clear that the negative consequences for Europe, if Putin gets his way, are stark and long-lasting. Can Europe meet the moment?
