Ecology, democracy, sustainable development - TU Berlin invites for a course | Gdańsk University of Technology

“What counts more in your private and professional life - result of process? Do you already have the answer and want others to just accept it? Do you prefer endless discussions without getting into action? - Who do you include in decision making process and whom do you exclude? When do you feel included/excluded yourself? - What are you allowed to take decisions upon and what is kept beyond your reach?“  [course description]

TU Berlin and University of Technology Sydney invite all interested parties - staff, doctoral students and students to join the course and get answers to questions about ecology, democracy, sustainable development and the role of (technical) universities in the modern world. 

🟩 How does the academia/industry support or obstruct freedom and equality?
🟩 How to decide on what and how to learn in higher education?
🟩 What is the societal role of (technical) universities? 
🟩 Are there core values in a democracy and how do they relate towards the values of science, engineering, ethics and sustainability?
🟩 How to teach, learn and practice these values as (prospective) scientists and engineers?
🟩 What is the difference between a scientist/engineer as a professional and as a citizen with regard to democracy?
🟩 What and how can scientist/engineers contribute to a democratic and sustainable society? 

The participants will expand their understanding of sustainability, especially with regard to social aspects such as power relations, the relation of society and nature, and political ecology. The course will be very practical - the participants will learn how to change their studies and jobs from within as well as how to engage in a socio-ecological transformation. 

When?

From 19 February to 10 April 2024. The course consists of 16 meetings organized weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

Is prior registration required?

No, you do not need to register - just join the first meeting. You can also fill out a short form and ask the organizers to send a reminder before the course. Note - after the second meeting, the list of participants will be closed and new persons will not be able to join the course anymore. 

What is the language of the course?

The course will be conducted in English. The organizer of the course notes that most participants will not be native speakers of English, and encourages less confident English speakers to join and improve their language skills. 

Is it a fee-based course?

This course is free.  

Where?

The meetings will take place through Zoom platform. Note - the course relies on interaction between the participants, thus everyone will be asked to turn on their cameras and microphones. This is crucial when deciding to join the event. 

More information about the course is available here: www.tu.berlin/en/km/n-zertifikat/democratizing-sustainability. 

Our staff, doctoral students and students have been invited to participate in the course due to the membership of Gdańsk University of Technology in ENHANCE Alliance. If you want to learn more about ENHANCE, visit the website or contact International Relations Office at enhance@pg.edu.pl.