Corps Marko-Guestphalia Aachen

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Corps Marko-Guestphalia Aachen
Wappen Corps Marko-Guestphalia.png
Universities RWTH Aachen, FH Aachen
FoundedDecember 2, 1871;149 years ago (1871-12-02) in Aachen
Type WSC, German Student Corps
MottoOmnia pro honore!
Fencing mottoNosce te ipsum!
Full and pledge member colors
Couleur-Marko-Guestphalia-Aachen.png
"Zirkel" used as
   Post-Nominal.		    Zirkel-Marko-Guestphalia-Aachen.png
Members~300
AddressMoreller Weg 64
52074 Aachen
Homepage www.guteverbindung.de

The Corps Marko-Guestphalia Aachen is a fraternity ( Studentenverbindung ) in Aachen, Germany, founded on December 2, 1871. It is one of 162 German Student Corps in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Latvia and Hungary today. The Corps is a member of the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent (WSC), the second oldest federation of classical European fraternal corporations, with roots dating back to the 15th century and fraternities founded in several European countries. [1] [2]

Contents

Membership in the fraternity is open to honorable men [3] studying at one of Aachen's universities and is based exclusively on personality, good moral standing, and strength of character. [4] Members of the Corps Marko-Guestphalia value and engage in the tradition of academic fencing [2] [5] as a way to sharpen and prove their character under pressure. Continuing a practice dating back into the 1700s, Marko-Guestphalia's members wear the traditional couleur, colored stripes, in green-white-black. The fraternity teaches and expects tolerance from its members, stemming from diverse ethnic, national, religious and political backgrounds. [2] [5] While many of their members stem from the west-Rhine region of Germany, Marko-Guestphalia enjoys a strong membership of international students (examples include Denmark, India, Italia, Serbia, Turkey, USA, Peru), similar to the internationally very open character of the RWTH.

Fundamentals and principles

Like all German Student Corps, Marko-Guestphalia expects tolerance from its members in political, scientific and religious affairs. [4] Members are encouraged to have their own point of view about the world and be able to argue it, but Marko-Guestphalia as an entity always remains neutral. This neutrality is a fundamental pillar of all Corps and differentiates them from fraternities who require a certain political or religious affinity. [1] The fraternity encourages freshly admitted (pledging "fox") members with diverse ethnic, national, religious and political backgrounds to prove themselves as valuable Corps brothers, purely on the basis of personal character and merit, before becoming eligible to be fully incorporated (Rezeption). [4] [6] The fraternity has about 300 members of all ages (including alumni) coming from or currently residing in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. Every full member is a member for life.

Academic "Mensur" fencing in 1900. Steel goggles provide added protection nowadays. Muhlberg - Sabelmensur.jpg
Academic "Mensur" fencing in 1900. Steel goggles provide added protection nowadays.

Members of the Corps Marko-Guestphalia value and practice the tradition of engagements in academic fencing , or "Mensur" in German, with members of other old-school fraternities. Academic fencing, originating in the German school of fencing, is understood as a way to exercise good judgement and prove character, [3] allowing participants to show determination by standing their ground under pressure, while enhancing the bonds between the Corps brothers at the same time. [6] [7] Mark Twain described one of these fencing duels/challenges in his day and age; his description is remarkably similar to current practices. [5] [6] [8] Marko-Guestphalia's members identify themselves wearing the traditional couleur, colored stripes, as well as caps and/or other specific garments at official occasions. This tradition, known as "wearing colors" (German: Farben tragen), provides means to recognize members of other fraternities and, likewise, identification for the Corps brothers with each other and their traditions. [6]

Activity and responsibility are two fundamental expectations for fraternity members. With the goal to achieve members who are prepared to become active leaders in society, every Corps brother is expected to hold a leadership position at least once for a term ("Semester") while a student. Members are further encouraged to organize internal and open fraternity events that draw attention from other fraternities and guests from industry, academia, politics and other active societies. [1] Allocating the necessary resources appropriately and living up to set expectations teaches responsibility. [4] [6] All members must show active participation in the regular fraternity Convents, providing the foundation for the fraternity's members to meet and discuss past, present and future developments. Decisions are cast in a democratic manner, sometimes after intense debates. Participation at such Convents teaches a better understanding of proper argumentation, group dynamics and critical analysis of other members' views, plans and arguments, thereby preparing its participants to become active members of society. [4] Similarly, every member must finish his higher educational degree with good academic standing in order to advance to the status of Alter Herr (alumnus).

Long-term guidance is expected from and provided by said Alte Herren, who often remain very engaged and well connected with the fraternity. Every year at the end of May, student and alumni members of all German Student Corps meet in one of two cities (Weinheim and Bad Kösen) for three days to refresh their bonds with their fraternity and friends from the entire Corps network (WSC/KSCV). [1] In addition to these international meetings once a year, alumni join the student members for multiple local meetings, lasting an evening or a weekend. These regular meetings result in strong bonds spanning the generations within the fraternity. [4]

History

Foundation

Bismarck's student sword and helmet, comparable to those used by the fraternity's members then and now. SchlagerOvBMuseumFriedrichsruh.jpg
Bismarck's student sword and helmet, comparable to those used by the fraternity's members then and now.

The fraternity was founded by three fraternity students of other fraternities on December 2, 1871 who had come to the Royal Rheinian-Westphalian Polytechnical School at Aachen for their graduate studies. The fraternity grew quickly and joined the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent (WSC) on May 17, 1872.

Today

The fraternity has official relationships with the Corps Saxo-Thuringia München in Munich and a close relationship with the other Corps of the Blaues Kartell with member fraternities Corps Altsachsen Dresden, Corps Hannoverania Hanover and Corps Berlin.

Literature

Map of the developing German Student Corps during the 18/19th century Europe. Karte Entstehung der Corps.png
Map of the developing German Student Corps during the 18/19th century Europe.

Related Research Articles

German Student Corps Student fraternities in Germany

Corps are the oldest still-existing kind of Studentenverbindung, Germany's traditional university corporations; their roots date back to the 15th century. The oldest corps still existing today was founded in 1789. Its members are referred to as corps students (Corpsstudenten). The corps belong to the tradition of student fraternities which wear couleur and practice academic fencing.

<i>Studentenverbindung</i>

Studentenverbindung is the umbrella term for many different kinds of fraternity-type associations in German-speaking countries, including Corps, Burschenschaften, Landsmannschaften, Turnerschaften, and Catholic fraternities. Worldwide, there are over 1,600 Studentenverbindungen, about a thousand in Germany, with a total of over 190,000 members. In them, students spend their university years in an organized community, whose members stay connected even after graduation. A goal of this lifelong bond is to create contacts and friendships over many generations and to facilitate networking. The Lebensbund is very important for the longevity of these networks.

Academic fencing Sword fight between two male members of different fraternities with sharp weapons

Academic fencing or Mensur is the traditional kind of fencing practiced by some student corporations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Latvia, Estonia, and, to a minor extent, in Belgium, Lithuania, and Poland. However, in Switzerland it is nowadays frowned upon to carry out this tradition, for it is considered unnecessary violence. It is a traditional, strictly regulated épée/rapier fight between two male members of different fraternities with sharp weapons. The German technical term Mensur in the 16th century referred to the specified distance between each of the fencers.

Kösener Senioren-Convents-Verband

The Kösener Senioren-Convents-Verband is the oldest association of German, Austrian and Swiss Studentenverbindungen. It comprises roughly 105 German, Austrian and a Swiss Corps, all of which are based upon the principle of tolerance.

Weinheimer Senioren-Convent

The Weinheimer Senioren-Convent is the second oldest association of German Studentenverbindungen. It comprises roughly 60 German Corps, all of which are based upon the principle of tolerance.

Corps Austria Frankfurt am Main

Corps Austria is a member Corps of the Kösener Senioren-Convents-Verband, the association of the oldest student fraternities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Corps Austria is "pflichtschlagend", which refers to the fact that it requires of its members to participate in several organized duel-like fencing engagements with members of other specific student fraternities, a ritual dating back to the 17th century and described by Mark Twain in his book "A tramp abroad". The Corps Austria is further considered "farbentragend" in that its members wear a colored sash across their chests as evidence of their membership of the fraternity. Both of these tendencies are characteristic of the most traditional and often very elite all-male fraternities in countries for central Europe. Eligible applicants are students of the Goethe University Frankfurt and other colleges in Frankfurt, Germany. Members of Corps Austria are colloquially referred to as "Austrianer", or simply "Austern". Corps Austria was founded in 1861 at the Charles-Ferdinand University in Prague and moved to the newly established Goethe University Frankfurt in 1919.

Corps Suevia Freiburg

The Corps Suevia Freiburg is one of the oldest German Student Corps, a Studentenverbindung or student corporation founded by 13 students at the Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg on June 21, 1815. As a member of the Freiburger Senioren Convent (SC) it is a founding member of the Kösener Senioren-Convents-Verband, the oldest fraternity association in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Corps Rhenania Heidelberg

Corps Rhenania Heidelberg is a member Corps of the Kösener Senioren-Convents-Verband, the oldest association of student fraternities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Corps Rhenania is "pflichtschlagend", which refers to the fact that it requires of its members, that they participate in several ritual, organised duels with members of other specific student fraternities. Eligible applicants are those students, both current and former, of the Ruprecht Karl University in Heidelberg, Germany. Members of Corps Rhenania are colloquially referred to as "Rhenane".

Corps Cisaria

Cisaria Munich is a German Student Corps (Fraternity) in the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent (WSC), one of the oldest umbrella organizations of German fraternities. As a corps, Cisaria practices academic fencing and wears Colours. Its membership comprises students and alumni of LMU Munich, TU Munich and other Munich colleges and universities. Its members are called Cisaren. Cisaria is a member of the Münchener Senioren-Convent (MSC). As the oldest local WSC Corps, at present it also permanently presides the MWSC, the local union of Weinheimer Corps.

Corps Vandalia-Teutonia

Vandalia-Teutonia Berlin is a German Student Corps (Fraternity) in the Kösener SC-Verband (KSCV), the umbrella organization of the oldest German fraternities. As a corps, Vandalia-Teutonia practices academic fencing and wears Colours. Its membership comprises active and former students and alumni of all Berlin universities. Its members are called Vandalen-Teutonen.

A Zirkel is a symbol used in European student societies in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia (Studentenverbindungen).

Corps Palatia Munich

Corps Palatia is a fencing fraternity belonging to the Kösener Senioren-Convents-Verband, the oldest association of German and Austrian student corporations. It unites students of Munich's universities, most notably Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich and the Technical University of Munich. Palatia's members are known as Pfälzer, which is derived from the Bavarian region of Upper Palatinate.

Corps Hubertia Freiburg German student fraternity

The Corps Hubertia Freiburg is a fraternity (Studentenverbindung) in Freiburg, Germany. It was founded on October 29, 1868 and is one of 162 German Student Corps in Europe today. The Corps is a member of the Kösener Senioren-Convents-Verband (KSCV), the oldest federation of classical European fraternities with roots dating back to the 15th century and member fraternities across Austria, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Latvia and Switzerland.

Corps Altsachsen Dresden

The Corps Altsachsen is a fraternity (Studentenverbindung) in Dresden, Germany. It was founded on October 31, 1861 and is one of 162 German Student Corps in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Latvia and Hungary today. The Corps is a member of the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent (WSC), the second oldest federation of classical Fraternities in Europe with roots dating back to the 15th century.

Corps Saxo-Thuringia München

The Corps Saxo-Thuringia München is a fraternity (Studentenverbindung) in Munich, Germany, founded on March 15, 1882. It is one of 162 German Student Corps in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Latvia and Hungary today. The Corps is a member of the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent (WSC), the second oldest federation of classical European fraternal corporations, with roots dating back to the 15th century and fraternities founded in several European countries.

Corps Berlin

The Corps Berlin is a fraternity (Studentenverbindung) in Berlin, Germany, founded on February 9, 2009 with roots dating back to December 2, 1859. It is one of 162 German Student Corps in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Latvia and Hungary today. The Corps is a member of the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent (WSC), the second oldest federation of classical European fraternal corporations, with roots dating back to the 15th century and fraternities founded in several European countries.

Blaues Kartell

The Blaues Kartell is a circle of four German Student Corps, or Corps (Studentenverbindung) for short, who understand the union as "one fraternity spanning four cities". The member fraternities are the Corps Altsachsen Dresden, Saxo-Thuringia München, Berlin and Hannoverania Hannover.

Corps Franconia Darmstadt

The Corps Franconia Darmstadt is a fraternity founded on November 16, 1889 in Darmstadt. It is one of the 59 German Student Corps within the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent (WSC), the second oldest federation of classical European fraternal corporations, with roots dating back to the 15th century and fraternities founded in several European countries.

Corps Guestphalia Halle

The Corps Guestphalia Hall is a fraternity affiliate of the Kösen Senior Convents Association (KSCV), where it is the oldest one. The Guestphalia Halle corps has always stood for Fencing and Couleur (color). Presently it once again located in Halle (Saale) and belongs to the Green Circle. The Corps members are called Hallenser Westfalen.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Die Corps. "Was sind die Corps? - Who are the Corps?" http://www.die-corps.de/interessenten.0.html Retrieved on Oct. 7, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Klimczuk, Stephen & Warner, Gerald. "Secret Places, Hidden Sanctuaries: Uncovering Mysterious Sites, Symbols, and Societies". Sterling Publishing, 2009, New York and London. ISBN   978-1-4027-6207-9. pp. 212–232 ("University Secret Societies and Dueling Corps").
  3. 1 2 3 LaVaque-Manty, Mika (2006). "Dueling for Equality: Masculine Honor and the Modern Politics of Dignity" (PDF). Political Theory. 34 (6): 715–740. doi:10.1177/0090591706291727. S2CID   143261653.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Die Corps. "Prinzipien der Corps" An article explaining the principles of being a Corps Student: http://www.die-corps.de/prinzipien.0.html Retrieved on Oct. 7, 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "A Tramp Abroad".
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "A Tramp Abroad".
  7. ↑ Die Corps. "Hoch bitte – Los!" An article explaining the role of academic fencing at Corps: http://www.die-corps.de/fechten.0.html Retrieved on Oct. 7, 2013.
  8. 1 2 "A Tramp Abroad - Chapter V by Mark Twain".
  9. ↑ "A day with corps-students in Germany" . Retrieved 2013-09-27.
  10. ↑ Paulgerhard Gladen: Geschichte der studentischen Korporationsverbände, Band 1, S. 53, Würzburg 1981
  11. ↑ Paulgerhard Gladen (2007), Die Kösener und Weinheimer Corps: Ihre Darstellung in Einzelchroniken (in German) (1. ed.), Hilden: WJK-Verlag, p. 200, ISBN   978-3-933892-24-9
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