Aryana Arian Assl

Looking back, what did you most enjoy about your time at Bard College Berlin?
The rewarding experience of having discussions in political economy, literature, art history, and philosophy with students from different backgrounds and concentrations.

How would you describe, in a nutshell, the experience of studying at BCB?
Intellectually rewarding. It built the foundation for my critical thinking and discourse abilities.

Write briefly about one of your courses that left a lasting impression on you.
The “Renaissance Florence” Core course, taught by Dr. Geoff Lehman, taught me how to look at works of art critically and explore the interplay between artists, their creations, and their historical contexts. I wrote my final paper on the Persian Sibyl, a small painting part of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. 

How has BCB influenced the path you've taken since completing the program? 
BCB allowed me to pick a master's program that is interdisciplinary and exciting—something that can build on the foundation of knowledge that BCB built. Furthermore, many essays I wrote at BCB, including my final essay for “Renaissance Florence” and my thesis, have paved the way for the work I am doing today at perediza. 
Perediza is a humanities/philosophy-based magazine that tackles climate change, art, style, and, more broadly, life. BCB gave me the network, knowledge, critical thinking, and passion to create this magazine. Seven out of the roughly 15 creatives and writers who contributed to our first issue are BCB students! Either through writing magnificent critical and philosophical pieces, or contributing their beautiful art to the magazine, Bard College Berliners were a crucial part of putting perediza together.

Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am in London pursuing a master’s degree in Culture, Criticism, and Curation at the University of the Arts London. Furthermore, I serve as the Editor-in-Chief at perediza. We released our inaugural issue last year, and we are currently working on the second issue.

Any advice you would give to students considering BCB?
If you are looking for an education where you will gain a strong foundation of knowledge in philosophy, culture, history, and more broadly, the humanities, BCB is the place to go. Not only will it reward you with engaging opportunities for discourse and critical thinking, but it will also allow you to find friends and a community of people that are passionate and immersed in theory, practice, or both. Furthermore, BCB is located in Berlin, renowned for its amazing exhibitions, historic landmarks, sights, culture, and diverse communities. BCB's small size also allows for you to engage in the classrooms and with the professors, offering a more communal learning experience that is very rare and hard to find!