Anthropocene Summer School: The Contemporary World in Transdisciplinary Perspective
When: 04.09. – 08.09.2023, Prague
Organised by: Centre for Theoretical Study, joint workplace of Charles University and the Czech Academy of Sciences
At the time of the Anthropocene, when we are no longer satisfied with the traditional division of the sciences into natural and social sciences, nor with the distinction between academic and non-academic forms of knowledge, scholars are beginning to study the world in a new way, Anthropocene phenomena are complex, dynamically changing and often non-intuitively interrelated – if we want to understand the present, it is crucial to be able to look at the facts around us from different perspectives.
During the summer school, you will learn how to effectively study and interpret the contemporary world in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary way: you will learn how to go beyond the boundaries of your own expertise, communicate across disciplines and better respond to the complicated – ecological, social and identitarian – challenges of today.
What awaits you: Seminars, field trips, practical workshops and a number of specific and practical examples of interdisciplinary cooperation, all under the guidance of top Czech experts.
Who can participate: students of natural sciences, humanities, social sciences and arts, etc. We also welcome professionals, for example (but not only) from the non-profit sector, civil servants and teachers, and any members of the general public who are interested in the Anthropocene.
How to apply: Send a short cover letter describing why you are interested in the topic and why you are applying to the summer school, and a personal profile with basic information about your professional background or work specialisation (total length max. 2 standard pages) by email to: office@cts.cuni.cz.
If you have any queries about the summer school, please also direct them to the above email.
The deadline for applications is 31 May 2023. If you are accepted, we will notify you shortly afterwards. The maximum number of participants is 25.
Accommodation: For those interested, we can arrange discounted accommodation at the dormitories of Charles University for the duration of the summer school.
Programme
Monday 04.09.2023
Where: Academic Conference Centre (AKC), Husova 4a:
Morning block (09:00-12:00):
- Introduction & workshop “What is the Anthropocene?
[12:00-13:00 lunch on site for all participants]
Afternoon block (13:00-16:30):
- Anna Kvíčalová, Jan Makovský: Theoretical concepts of the Anthropocene, Humanity and Technology, Nature and Culture. Seminars and discussions (13:00-14:30)
- Marek Hudík: Seminar “Economics of Nature” (15:00-16:30)
Tuesday 05.09.2023
Morning block (Centre for Theoretical Studies, Husova 4), 09:00-12:00:
- Jindřich Prach: Changes in the Landscape of the Czech Republic from the Perspective of Maps. Workshop [take with you: computer]
Afternoon block (Vinoř), 13:30-17:00:
- Petr Pokorný: “How Data are Created I”: Paleoecological practice in the field. Exemplary field research and sampling in the vicinity of a significant archaeological site – Vinoř hillfort. [meeting at 13:30 at Masaryk Station, departure by train to Praha-Satalice station at 13:45. Recommended clothing: sturdy shoes, long trousers]
Wednesday 06.09.2023
Morning block (Centre for Theoretical Studies, Husova 4), 10:00-11:30
- Eliška Fulínová: Protect and Care: Changes in Attitudes to Natural and Cultural Heritage. Seminar
Afternoon block (Radotínské údolí), 13:00-17:00:
- Jindřich Prach & Karolína Pauknerová, “How is Nature and Landscape Conservation Realised? The Intertwining of Natural and Cultural Heritage in the Anthropocene”. Field excursion to the rocks and steppes of the Radotín Valley. [meeting point: 13:00 at the entrance to Národní třída metro station. The group will then go to the Lomy public transport stop. Recommended clothing: sturdy shoes, long trousers].
Thursday 07.09.2023
Morning block (Department of Botany, Charles University, Benátská 2), 09:00-11:30:
- Petr Pokorný, Jindřich Prach: “How Data are Created II”: Paleoecological practice in the laboratory. Examples of analytical methods. Based on samples taken in the field, we will learn something about the history of the site we visited on Tuesday. Interpretation of the obtained results from the perspective of the Anthropocene.
Afternoon block (CTS, Zlíchov), 13:00-17:00:
- Radan Haluzík: “The Anthropocene Landscape and the Urban Wilderness of the City.” Lecture and field trip to Zlíchov and Císařská louka island. [lecture 13:00-13:45 at CTS, then group transfer to the field. End at Císařská louka (from here you can get to the P3 Lihovar-Dvorce ferry or Lihovar bus/tram stop)]
Friday 08.09.2023
Where: Academic Conference Centre (AKC), Husova 4a:
Morning block (09:00-12:00):
- Cyril Říha “How to (visually) communicate Anthropocene issues. The Anthropocene is not only the physical state of the world, but also the way we depict it.” Seminar.
- Individual and group work on the preparation of the final project.
[12:00-13:00 lunch on site for all participants]
Afternoon block (13:00-17:00):
- Zdeněk Konopásek: “Engaged Impartiality? Science and Politics in the Anthropocene”. Lecture and discussion (13:00-14:15)
- Final presentations of the participants. (14:30-17:00)