Academic books –and particularly monographs devoted to a single subject – are generally the result of years of research and writing. From a distance and with the depth of scholarly reflection, they confront the central problems and questions of the present. However, it is often difficult for such books to reach a broader audience. Therefore, the Institute, under the direction of Matthias Lutz-Bachmann, has introduced a new lecture series entitled »The Institute Introduces….». In this series, the Institute will regularly introduce the public to new publications by scholars from the Rhine-Main universities and the authors will have the opportunity to speak about their books and the background and questions that motivated them. The lectures will be chaired by a science journalist or a colleague from the same research field.

Lothar Bauerochse in discussion with Susanne Schröter, November 2016

The lecture series began on November 22, 2016 with the presentation of Susanne Schröter, professor of anthropology in Frankfurt, and her new book »Gott näher als der eigenen Halsschlagader«. Fromme Muslime in Deutschland (Campus 2016). Lothar Bauerochse, editorial journalist in the church and religion section of the Hessische Rundfunk, chaired the public discussion that dealt with questions such as why is religion more important for young Muslims who were born and socialized in Germany than for their parents? What role do violence and hatred play in Muslim communities in Germany? Are Muslim girls excluded from public life in Germany by religious regulations?

More presentations of authors and their books are planned for 2017. Contakt: Iris Helene Koban (i.koban@forschungskolleg-humanwissenschaften.de, Tel.: +49 (0)6172-13977-0).