Adult education centre events in January 2021 - VHS@home
Note
VHS Chemnitz will be closed from 21 December to 3 January.
No requests will be processed or enquiries answered during this time.
From Monday, 4 January 2021, the Adult Education Centre staff will be available again.
Online registration for next year's courses is still possible.
VHS@home - Online events
Tuesday, 12 January, 7.30 to 9 p.m.
In search of unambiguity. How the flight from ambiguity is changing society and culture.
Online participation: free
After registering (by midnight the day before) at www.vhs-chemnitz.de, you will receive an access link by email.
While the world is becoming increasingly complex, a decline in the tolerance of ambiguity can be observed - and not only in Western societies. The ability to endure contradictions, tolerate uncertainties and accept other points of view is clearly on the wane worldwide. This not only has an impact on society and the acceptance of democracy. It also has an impact on those areas of culture that rely on tolerance of ambiguity and could even help to strengthen tolerance of ambiguity in society - such as theatre, art and music. An education system focussed on fast and efficient training also leaves less and less room for playful creativity.
The speaker, Thomas Bauer, is a professor of Arabic and Islamic studies. He was awarded the prestigious Leibniz Prize by the German Research Foundation in 2013. His most recent book published by C. H. Beck is "Warum es kein islamisches Mittelalter gab. The Legacy of Antiquity and the Orient" was published by C. H. Beck.
This event is part of the series "vhs.wissen live - the digital science programme" as a cooperation between the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre and the Erding and SüdOst Adult Education Centres in the district of Munich.
Friday, 15 January, 7.30 to 9 p.m.
Why there was no Islamic Middle Ages - the legacy of antiquity and the Orient
Online participation: free
After registering (by midnight the day before) at www.vhs-chemnitz.de you will receive an access link by e-mail.
Islam is often accused of being stuck in the Middle Ages. But what if there was no Islamic Middle Ages at all? Islamic scholar Thomas Bauer uses numerous examples to show how ancient civilisation lived on in the Islamic world with flourishing cities and sciences, while in medieval Europe only ruins remain as a reminder of a lost culture. For centuries, the ancient cities were alive in the Orient - with baths, churches, mosques and other large stone buildings. Doctors continued the medicine of Galen, natural sciences and love poetry flourished. Copper coins, roof tiles, glass: everyday life in the Orient was full of ancient achievements that Central Europeans only (re)discovered at the beginning of the modern era.
In his lecture, Thomas Bauer describes how ancient culture lived on from al-Andalus via North Africa and Syria to Persia and why the 11th century marked a caesura throughout Eurasia, from the Hindu Kush to Western Europe, which was soon followed by the modern era in the Islamic world. In doing so, he convincingly refutes the well-rehearsed epochal boundaries and sets the record straight on entrenched views of the Orient and Occident.
Thomas Bauer is a professor of Arabic and Islamic studies. He was awarded the prestigious Leibniz Prize by the German Research Foundation in 2013. His most recent book published by C. H. Beck is "Warum es kein islamisches Mittelalter gab. The Legacy of Antiquity and the Orient" was published by C. H. Beck.
This event is part of the series "vhs.wissen live - the digital science programme" as a cooperation between the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre and the Erding and SüdOst Adult Education Centres in the district of Munich.
Monday, 18 December, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Where is the USA heading? Join the discussion.
Online participation: free
After registering (by 4 pm on 18 January) at www.vhs-chemnitz.de, you will receive an access link by email.
The election of the President of the United States of America in November 2020 is still being widely discussed. Many observers are looking at the opponents in the election campaign and the divisions in the country, Donald Trump's policies in recent years, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and America's relationship with Germany and Europe. We invite you to an online discussion. Experts from Chemnitz University of Technology will explain the result and the background to the election around the presidential inauguration. The evening will focus on the special electoral system, social change in America and the domestic and foreign policy challenges of the term of office.
This event is a co-operation between the Institute of Political Science at Chemnitz University of Technology and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Tuesday, 19 January, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Drought, storms and bark beetles... what is happening to our forests?
Online participation: free
After registering (by 4 p.m. on 19 January) at www.vhs-chemnitz.de, you will receive an access link by email.
In recent years, storms and drought combined with an unprecedented mass proliferation of bark beetles have led to a catastrophic situation in the forests. The foothills of the Ore Mountains and the lower areas of the Ore Mountains are particularly affected by this development. The lecture will shed light on the current situation and the challenges that arise not only for forestry stakeholders and forest owners. The forestry expert will impart comprehensive knowledge and invite you to discuss the future of the local forests.
The event is a co-operation between the State Enterprise Sachsenforst and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Information from the adult education centre:
Due to the distance rules, we are currently learning in smaller learning groups. It is therefore necessary to register in advance for courses and events. If your desired course is already fully booked, you have the option of being placed on the waiting list without obligation.
Current information can be found at www.vhs-chemnitz.de.