Teaching (about) the Anthropocene: Experience with Piloting a Micro-credential Anthropocene Summer School in Prague
Abstract
In this paper, we present our position on the potential of transdisciplinary alliance in research and teaching (about) the Anthropocene, which we have developed within the Center for Theoretical Study. Since 2017, our collaborative research at the CTS has focused on the Anthropocene, aiming to understand it as an essentially transdisciplinary concept that integrates empirical and theoretical knowledge, encompassing ontological, epistemological, and existential/ethical dimensions. By fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange between the natural sciences and humanities, our goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Anthropocene not only as a new geological epoch but also as a profound shift in our perception of the world, ourselves, and a distinct sensitivity or receptivity. Adopting a transdisciplinary approach, we aim to uncover the intricate connections between human culture (in its broadest sense), ecological transformations, and the evolving human self-conception. This approach allows us to formulate new responses to the question of who is the anthropos of the Anthropocene, while also re-conceptualising the notion of nature to better align with ongoing present day transformations.
In addition to disseminating our research findings through popularization and communication in the public domain, we have recently expanded into the field of education. At the CTS, we have joined the
University's initiative to pilot courses under the EU micro-credentials scheme, and we have announced our inaugural Anthropocene Summer School, scheduled for September 2023. Through a combination of seminars, field trips, and workshops, we aim to demonstrate that studying the world in the Anthropocene requires novel approaches that transcend traditional divisions between natural and social sciences, as well as academic and non-academic forms of knowledge. Anthropocene phenomena are complex, dynamic, and often counterintuitively interconnected. To comprehend the present, it is crucial to adopt diverse perspectives and examine the realities around us from different angles. Using examples from the local contexts, our objective is to guide students from diverse backgrounds, including non-academic positions and various social and age groups, to effectively study and interpret the contemporary world in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary ways. We will emphasise the importance of moving beyond one's own expertise and facilitating communication across disciplines, which enables us to respond better to the complex ecological, social, and identity challenges of our time.
In this paper, we will summarize the outcomes of the pilot run in effectively communicating the complex themes of the Anthropocene that we explore.