Climate Change Challenges: Workshop Prague-Constance (Konstanz) Study Days on Various Aspects of Society, Politics, and Policy in the Digital Age

Syllabus

Extent and Form of the InstructionThe course takes place in seminar blocks with the Introductory session (online -October 4-8, t.b.a.) at thebeginning of the winter semester, preparatory work in PRG-KN tandems, and one teaching weeks (in person -Prague, November 8-12, 2021).

Hour requirements for students (1 ECTS = 30h):Workshop attendance 16hSelf-study + questions to 3 theoretical texts 25hField research + mini-team work 25hFinal presentation + team work 24hTotal 90h

Nature and Purpose of the WorkshopThe climate change represents essential challenges for our society, politics, and policy. The workshop is designed toget students acquainted with climate change challenges from perspectives of society (e.g., new social movements,online collective action), politics (e.g., climate change issue in parliamentary elections), and policy (e.g., measuresby the European Green Deal) reflected by the Internet and new social media. It provides an excellent opportunityto gain an international academic experience. The workshop aims at developing international academiccooperation between national communities and at enhancing students’ team work and internationalcommunication skills in academic area. It is also appreciated as an excellent preparatory experience for your ownstudy abroad (e.g., Erasmus+ etc.).

The workshop takes place in Prague and it is accompanied by the cultural programme related to the hosting placeand organised by the hosting institution (UK FSV).

ObjectivesAfter the workshop, the students should- have more insight in contemporary climate change challenges viewed by theoretical concepts concerning society,politics, and policy in the digital age.- get acquainted with essential international academic team work in comparative perspective.- have enhanced their knowledge and skills in areas of research design, field research, comparative method, criticalthinking, team work, presentation of their own opinion in academic discussion, linking theoretical findings andconceptualizations with current praxis in different empirical fields as well as work with resources, time and subjectplanning.

Subscription conditionsThis workshop is primarily open to all BA and MA students of the ISS UK FSV as well as PVP program who areinterested in this kind of experience. The number of the participants is limited to max. 6. In case of more than 6 applicants, the choice of participants will be based on their motivation, affiliation to the ISS, further foreign mobility potential, command of English; command of German as an advantage, higher semester of the study.Working language is English.Assignments and GradingThe credits will be granted after fulfilling following conditions (plagiarism and other misconducts against academicand/or good manners will prevent passing the course):1) attendance (100 %)2) active participation in discussions3) 3 questions to each theoretical text before the Prague week4) final presentation

Important dates:October 4-8, 2021, t.b.a. – introductory online sessiontill November 5, 2021 – deadline for a draft of the presentation + 3 questions to each theoretical textNovember 8-12, 2021 – Prague week

Course OutlineIntroductory session (October 4-8, t.b.a, online session)Presentation of the workshop; introduction into topic of the workshop; discussion of the prepared texts; discussionof selected issues; discussion of possible projects, formation of the mini-teams (one Prague student + one KNstudent). The mini-teams address the issue of climate change challenges from a perspective of society, politics, andpolicy in the digital age reflected in the Czech Republic and Germany. Particular topics will be involved afterconsultations with the teachers. They are open to all suggestions and innovations.

Interim period – online communication and work in mini-teams teams (self-study + field research or otherassociated activities)till November 22, 2021 – deadline for a draft of mini-team’s presentationPrague week (November 8-12, 2021)Session 1 (Monday Nov 9, Pekařská 16, 405, 11.00-12.20) – introduction to the idea of the workshop and thePrague week, the meeting of the mini-teams, discussion of the project in teams, planning of the work (fieldresearch etc.)Session 2 (Tuesday, Pekařská 16, 405, 12.30-15.20) Society perspective: Presentation 1 and 2Session 3 (Wednesday, Pekařská 16, 405, 12.30-15.20) Politics perspective: Presentation 3 and 4Session 3 (Thursday, Pekařská 16, 405, 12.30-15.20) Policy perspective: Presentation 5 and 6 + conclusion of theworkshop