Weimar Summer Courses

This year Weimar Summer Courses will be held under the general topic "The Cultural Dimensions of Sustainability" on 26 June – 10 July 2010.

We are living in a time of incredible ecological and social change. The destruction of life-supporting ecosystems, the extinction of species, exploding poverty, suburban sprawl and ever-higher energy consumption are calling us to act. The action needed demands new understanding and new competences. Not least, the world requires of us the depth of humanity to meet the scale and complexity of the challenge. To develop a sustainable society, we need to engender greater humanity and a stronger connection to our world while simultaneously furthering our understanding of the complexity of the current crisis.

The Weimar Summer Courses 2010 addresses these topics from different points of view. In an intercultural environment with participants from all over the world we will discuss social, cultural and aesthetic approaches towards sustainable development.

The Weimar Summer Courses will take a cross-sectoralapproach to the overall topic. The main aim is to draw on historical experiences and theoretical approaches to discuss current problems and further the development of sustainability.

Two parallel courses will address the general topic, each of them emphasising a specific dimension:

- Course A: From Goethe and Schiller through the Bauhaus to Social Sculpture. Forum for Creative Action: The Shaping of a Humane World as an Aesthetic Challenge.

- Course B: Cultivating Sustainability in Self, Community and Place.

The total course fees are 750 Euro and include accommodation in a double room, board and participation in the course programmes and excursions. Accommodation in a single room is also possible at a surcharge of 150 Euro.

The participant’s card allows free entry to Weimar’s museums, the art collection, libraries and archives.

For students and participants without income of their own, the course fee can be reduced to 500 Euro on application if appropriate proof is provided.

In the case of particular financial hardship, a limited number of scholarships are available providing support for the greater part of the fees. Participants need only contribute 250 Euros.

If you wish to apply for a scholarship please send the following information to the head of the Europäische Jugendbildungs- und Begegnungsstätte Weimar, Mr Ulli Ballhausen, (ballhausen[at]ejbweimar.de):

* indication of the course

* a short CV in table form

* a description of your interest in the topics of the chosen course, including recent experiences and activities (such as training courses, publications, diplomas)

* a detailed description of your financial situation explaining the reasons why you are not able to cover the course fees.

Applications (1 – 3 pages) will be considered in mid May 2010 and notification will be sent shortly thereafter. Please note: scholarship can only be granted if participation is not possible due to the personal financial situation and also no alternative means of funding are available.

The closing date for scholarship applications is 30th April 2010. All other applications will be considered on a first-come first-served basis until all places are taken.

You may use the Weimar Summer Courses to gain Credit Points. Upon request we will issue a certificate of 3 Credit Points.

To register, please use the online application form on the website. http://www.weimar-summer-courses.de.