At this time, the International Charlemagne Prize of the city of Aachen is one of the most significant European awards and the first prize in post-war Germany. Named in remembrance of Charlemagne, the father of the western civilisation, it was established in 1949 by citizens of Aachen and first awarded in 1950. The Charlemagne Prize includes prize money of 5000 euros, the amount being intentionally small to give weight to the ideational background of the prize. Beyond the prize money, there is an official document and a medal depicting the oldest town seal of Aachen: Charlemagne, the Franconian king. The prize, which has now been awarded over 55 times, is bestowed to give credit to teachings affecting the western unity.
As a first step, this seminar paper aims to reveal the history of the Charlemagne Prize and enters on the awarding criteria as well as some abnormalities regarding the laureates, which includes examples of known persons who received the Charlemagne Prize. After that, the image of Charlemagne, the founders, or the society of the prize shall be examined, moreover the role of Charlemagne playing in the speeches of the laureates shall be analysed.
In the chapter “The image of Charlemagne in comparison to the history”, the image of Charlemagne will be examined historically. Finally the seminar paper shall concentrate on the question of whether, and in what way, Charlemagne is suited to being a historical symbolic figure for the European Unity.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The Charlemagne Prize of Aachen
- 2.1 History of Origins
- 2.2 Awarding Criteria
- 3 Laureates
- 4 Charlemagne as a Model for the European Unity
- 4.1 The Image of Charlemagne
- 4.2 The Role of Charlemagne in the Speeches of the Laureates
- 4.3 The Image of Charlemagne in Comparison to the History
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar paper aims to explore the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, examining its history, awarding criteria, and the role of Charlemagne as a symbolic figure for European unity. The paper analyzes the image of Charlemagne as portrayed by the prize and its laureates, comparing this image to historical accounts. The overall objective is to determine the suitability of Charlemagne as a historical symbol for European unity.
- History and origins of the Charlemagne Prize
- Awarding criteria and selection process of the prize
- The image of Charlemagne as presented by the prize and its laureates
- Charlemagne's role in promoting European unity
- Historical accuracy of Charlemagne's image as a symbol of European unity
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by establishing the significance of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen as a prominent European award, highlighting its origins in post-war Germany and its connection to Charlemagne. It outlines the paper's objectives, which include exploring the prize's history, awarding criteria, and the analysis of Charlemagne's image in relation to European unity. The chapter briefly previews the structure and content of the following sections, clearly stating the intended scope of the research.
2 The Charlemagne Prize of Aachen: This chapter delves into the history and awarding criteria of the Charlemagne Prize. Section 2.1 traces the prize's origins back to the founding speech of Kurt Pfeiffer, emphasizing Aachen's post-war responsibility in fostering European unity through economic cooperation. It underscores the founders' belief in the ethical and practical significance of public recognition through the prize. Section 2.2 explores the selection criteria, highlighting that while not formally codified, the public declaration of 1949 and the prize's constitution provide insights. The criteria emphasize the laureates' contributions to European unity in political, economic, or spiritual realms, while explicitly excluding nationalistic considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This seminar paper explores the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, examining its history, awarding criteria, and the role of Charlemagne as a symbolic figure for European unity. It analyzes how Charlemagne's image is portrayed by the prize and its laureates, comparing this to historical accounts. The main objective is to assess Charlemagne's suitability as a historical symbol for European unity.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the history and origins of the Charlemagne Prize, its awarding criteria and selection process, the image of Charlemagne as presented by the prize and its laureates, Charlemagne's role in promoting European unity, and the historical accuracy of Charlemagne's image as a symbol of European unity.
What does the paper cover in its different chapters?
The paper is structured as follows: Chapter 1 provides an introduction and outlines the research objectives. Chapter 2 delves into the history and awarding criteria of the Charlemagne Prize, including its origins and the selection process. Chapter 3 focuses on the laureates of the prize. Chapter 4 analyzes Charlemagne's image as portrayed by the prize and its laureates, comparing it to historical accounts. Finally, Chapter 5 offers a conclusion, and Chapter 6 provides a bibliography.
What is the significance of the Charlemagne Prize?
The International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen is presented as a prominent European award, originating in post-war Germany. Its connection to Charlemagne is highlighted, and the paper emphasizes its role in fostering European unity through economic cooperation and public recognition.
How does the paper analyze Charlemagne's image?
The paper analyzes the image of Charlemagne as presented both by the prize itself and by the speeches and actions of its laureates. This image is then critically compared to historical accounts to assess its accuracy and appropriateness as a symbol of European unity.
What are the awarding criteria for the Charlemagne Prize?
While not formally codified, the paper explores the awarding criteria based on the prize's founding declaration and constitution. The criteria emphasize laureates' contributions to European unity in political, economic, or spiritual realms, explicitly excluding nationalistic considerations.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper likely to address?
The conclusion will likely address the suitability of Charlemagne as a symbol for European unity, based on the analysis of his image as presented by the prize and its laureates, compared against historical evidence.
What sources are cited in the paper?
A bibliography is included in Chapter 6, detailing the sources used for the research and analysis presented in the paper.
- Citation du texte
- Anna Rüttger (Auteur), 2015, The International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen. Charlemagne as a suitable model for the European Unity?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/319780
