Adult education centre events in November
Tuesday, 5 November, 5 to 6.30 pm
Antisemitism as an everyday phenomenon and the caesura of 7 October 2023
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.07
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2410321
Anti-Semitism is part of everyday life for the Jewish population in Saxony. This means that Jews
Jews weigh up every day between personal safety and the visibility of their Jewish identity.
identity. In situations that are completely harmless for those not affected, Jews have to recognise the
Jews have to anticipate the potential for danger. For example, on the way to work
to work, at school or at the sports club. Jews cannot detach anti-Semitism from their everyday lives
from their everyday lives like the non-Jewish majority society can.
Since 7 October 2023, the attack on Israel by the Islamist terrorist militia Hamas, the
frequency and intensity of anti-Semitic incidents in Saxony, in Germany, but also worldwide
increased. The fight against anti-Semitism is facing new challenges.
This event will provide information on current manifestations of anti-Semitism. The aim is to
to sensitise people to anti-Semitism and to inform them about the everyday phenomenon of anti-Semitism.
everyday phenomenon. The OFEK counselling centre presents its counselling activities for those affected in Saxony
Saxony, while the Research and Information Centre on Anti-Semitism Saxony (RIAS Saxony) will present the
manifestations of anti-Semitism, its types of incidents and backgrounds in Saxony.
thematised. Possible courses of action in dealing with anti-Semitism are also outlined
and consequences.
The event is a co-operation with OFEK e. V. in Saxony.
Tuesday, 5 November, 5 to 6.30 p.m.
Catalan to get to know
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Participation: 8.40 euros, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W244KA01
Catalan is an independent Romance language and is spoken by more than ten million people, mainly in Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands, but also in Andorra, for example. This makes it one of the most important languages in Europe. The language has a rich literary tradition and cultural significance. There are countless television and radio channels, daily newspapers and magazines as well as theatre performances in Catalan. You will learn the basics under the guidance of a native speaker. Through interactive exercises, short dialogues and practical applications, you will quickly gain a basic understanding and be able to hold simple conversations.
This is an event of our country focus Spain. Further information can be found at www.vhs-chemnitz.de
From Tuesday, 5 November, 5 to 6.30 p.m. (4 dates)
"Sechs Richtige" or: How does Braille work?
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 5.42
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W244BR01
The Frenchman Louis Braille developed Braille, named after him, in 1825. This cultural technique is now used worldwide and is the key medium for blind and visually impaired people to access information.
As the system is simple, you can learn the basics of reading and writing Braille over the course of four evenings. You will also learn a lot about the origins and basics of this cultural technique and its use in everyday life. The course is aimed at sighted, blind and visually impaired people and is intended to build bridges for joint access to information.
This course is a co-operation between the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Saxony and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Tuesday, 5 November, 7 to 9.15 p.m.
Café Philo. Naturally nature!
Location: Kulturhaus Arthur, Hohe Straße 33
Participation: free of charge, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2413001
"In nature there is neither cake nor reception, / In nature, love has no chance, / In nature, the animals have no fear, / You just go there and then eventually die." (Deichkind)
The concept of nature has various meanings, the connection between which is not obvious at first. It describes the phenomena of nature, trees and bushes, heaven and earth, but also the physical make-up of humans as something that - in comparison to history - remains the same or only changes very slowly. The term also refers to the nature of a thing, the essence of things. In the case of the band Deichkind, nature is that which is just as it is - without additions, accessories or judgement.
The series explores the concept of nature. Is this connection between the essence of a thing and a certain group of phenomena in a word a coincidence? Is it appropriate? And is it contemporary in the Anthropocene?
Wednesday, 6 November, 5 to 6.30 p.m.
Funding for associations
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.19
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2416140
Rent, telephone costs, insurance, staff costs, expenses for projects - association work costs money. Membership fees alone are usually not enough to cover all costs. This is where funding can help. But what funding programmes and donors are there? This event will give you a brief overview of the funding landscape in Germany and tips for acquiring funding.
This event is a co-operation between the Bürgerstiftung für Chemnitz and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Wednesday, 6 November, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
How artificial intelligence is changing our lives
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.07
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2411000
Ever since the ChatGPT application was made available free of charge, everyone has been talking about artificial intelligence (AI). AI is being used in more and more areas of life: from medicine and healthcare, to companies and the world of work, to education and communication.
While some associate this rapidly advancing "digital transformation" with far-reaching opportunities and room for manoeuvre, others question its limits and the will to completely rethink interactions between humans and technology. Some are concerned about the degree of change and the progress of scientific research.
In order to approach these topics, it is important to take a closer look and familiarise ourselves with the development of artificial intelligence. Data journalist Ronny Schilder, who works for the Freie Presse in Chemnitz, will provide practical insights on this evening and would like to engage in dialogue with interested parties.
Thursdays, 7 November to 12 December, 4 to 7 p.m.
Watercolour painting - experimenting with colours
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room see vhs room advert
Participation: 113.60 euros, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2424226
This course encourages you to experiment with colours. There are many ways to bring out the luminosity of watercolours. Using small tasks, you will learn to develop effective compositions from colours and shapes, for example by choosing the right section. If you have a playful love of colour and want to expand your techniques with acrylics, ink, tissue paper, chalks or collages, you will find a stimulating playing field here. Large formats (e.g. DIN A3) and large brushes are helpful.
Thursday, 7 November, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
15 years of Bitcoin: The wondrous world of cryptocurrencies
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.07
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2410220
Everyone knows Bitcoin, the total value of which is a staggering 700 billion euros. The first units of this independent hacker currency were created 15 years ago - at the beginning of 2009 - with the aim of creating a freer and fairer monetary system. The many other cryptocurrencies that now exist are barely known beyond technical niches and yet are also gigantic in size.
What do all these "coins" called Ether, XRP, DogeCoin or Tether USDt do? Are they primarily objects of speculation and safe havens for illegal transactions or are they used in a meaningful way? What are stablecoins, NFTs and smart contracts, and how does a blockchain that is supposedly turning the entire economy on its head work?
In an overview lecture, journalist and author Stefan Mey explains the most important ideas and terms of this special world and also answers the question of who is behind these projects.
This event is a co-operation between the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Sachsen and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Friday, 8 November, 5 to 6.30 p.m.
Galician to get to know
Location: Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.19
Participation: 8.40 euros, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W244GA01
Benvidos ao curso de galego! In this course, you will immerse yourself in the basics of this fascinating language, which has many similarities with Portuguese. You will start with pronunciation and learn some everyday phrases of greeting. You will then cover basic grammar structures and practise useful phrases for everyday life. Finally, you will take a look at Galician culture and its connection to the language. This course will give you a first impression of Galician and hopefully motivate you to discover more!
This is an event of our country focus Spain. Further information can be found at www.vhs-chemnitz.de
Monday, 11 November, 6 to 7.30 pm
Culture of remembrance in Spain
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.07
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2410230
The memory of the horrors and victims of the Franco dictatorship is widely discussed in Spain. While some are looking for clarification and scientific research, also in order to name other victims, others would rather forget. Not only on the basis of the
The challenges Spanish society faces in building a democracy on its historical experiences in the 20th century are not only evident in the 2022 Law of Remembrance. This evening will shed light on Spain's political, historical and social approach to the legacy of the Franco dictatorship.
Prof Teresa Pinheiro, holder of the Chair of Cultural and Social Change/Iberian Studies at the Institute of European Studies and History at Chemnitz University of Technology, will address these questions in conversation with Prof Dr Walther Bernecker.
Prof Dr Walther Bernecker received his doctorate from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in 1976 and habilitated at the University of Augsburg in 1986. He is the author of numerous works on Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American history.
Tuesday, 12 November, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
How Don Quixote came to Chemnitz
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room see vhs room announcement
Participation: 8.80 euros, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2421401
Dirk Glodde, actor of the Chemnitz acting ensemble, plays Don Quixote in this theatre season. An entertaining and profound evening with discussions, thoughts and readings will familiarise you with his work and the character created by Miguel de Cervantes.
Wednesday, 13 November, 5 to 6.30 p.m.
America after the election: opportunities and risks for the transatlantic partnership
Location: online, registration possible until 13 November, 12 noon. You will receive the access link by e-mail at least three hours before the start of the event.
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2410270
The 2024 US presidential elections are in the global spotlight and will be of decisive importance not only for the United States, but also for Europe. The outcome of the election will have a profound impact on transatlantic relations, the global political order and the global security architecture.
What policy will the new US president pursue towards Europe? What consequences can be expected for trade and defence policy? And how should Germany respond to these new geopolitical challenges?
In his online lecture, Prof. Dr Stephan Bierling, one of the leading experts on US foreign policy and transatlantic relations, will analyse the results of the election and highlight the possible consequences for Europe.
possible consequences for Europe. He will take a comprehensive look at the future challenges that could affect both the transatlantic partnership and European security policy. The speaker will also analyse possible scenarios for Germany's role in international politics and explain how German foreign policy could react to a possible change of course in Washington.
Prof Dr Stephan Bierling holds the Chair of International Politics at the University of Regensburg. He is a sought-after expert and advises both political actors and companies on relevant geopolitical issues. His most important publications include the Spiegel bestseller "America First. Donald Trump in the White House" (2020) and "Die Unvereinigten Staaten. Das politische System der USA und die Zukunft der Demokratie", which was published by C.H. Beck in September 2024.
The event is a cooperation between the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Saxony Political Education Forum and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Wednesday, 13 November, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Basque to get to know
Location: Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Participation: 8.40 euros, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W244BA01
Basque or Euskara is one of the oldest living languages in Europe and offers insights into a unique linguistic tradition. It is still spoken today by around 700,000 people in the Basque Country. You will learn the basics under the guidance of our native speaker course leader. Through interactive exercises, short dialogues and practical applications, you will quickly gain a basic understanding and be able to hold simple conversations. You will also immerse yourself in the unique identity, traditions and history of the Basque people.
This is an event of our country focus Spain. Further information can be found at www.vhs-chemnitz.de
Thursday, 14 November, 5 to 7.15 p.m.
Chemnitz city history - the former Johannisvorstadt district
Location: Entrance to the Agricola-Gymnasium, Park of the Victims of Fascism 2
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2412400
Let us take you on a historical and political tour to the beginnings of Chemnitz's city history. The tour centres on the former Johannisvorstadt district. The first Chemnitz cemetery is now the Park of the Victims of Fascism. The ensemble of the former industrial school, secondary school and headquarters of the municipal waterworks is one of the most important architectural achievements of the 1920s.
The guided tour not only provides an insight into the Agricola-Gymnasium and the Vocational Training Centre I, but also provides information about the history of the two buildings and the history along the Allee des Lichts.
Thursday, 14 November, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Current research into artificial intelligence
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, event hall and online
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2411010
Registration for online participation is possible until 14 November, 12 noon. You will receive the access data by e-mail at least three hours before the start of the event.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is constantly opening up new perspectives. Diagnostic possibilities in medicine, self-driving cars, improved processes in business and industry, but also new possibilities for interaction between humans and machines are fascinating topics - but can also be unsettling. What happens to our data? Where are AI research and the technology required for it heading? What do self-learning systems mean for the human image? And last but not least: can artificial intelligence and AI research be politically and socially regulated and contained?
The scientist Sascha Kaden will address these questions in his lecture in a well-founded and comprehensible manner and answer your questions on the topic. He works at the Chair of Neurorobotics at the Faculty of Computer Science at Chemnitz University of Technology.
Saturdays, 16 to 23 November, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
City excursion with the smartphone
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room see vhs room display
Participation: 62.60 euros, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2429200
The smartphone is the perfect companion for urban photography and filming. Inconspicuous, always with you and quickly ready to use. In this workshop, you will learn how to get the most out of your mobile phone camera. General photography tips and image reviews are included
but the focus of the workshop is on the unimagined possibilities of the smartphone and the associated apps. You will be amazed.
To get to exciting locations for the photo excursions, you will mainly be travelling on foot or by public transport.
Monday, 18 November, 5 to 7.15 p.m.
Wild enjoyment in autumn
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 5.22
Participation: 22.50 euros, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2433309
Nature has a variety of fruits, herbs and roots to offer in autumn. Now it's time to harvest! Whether as vitamins for the immune system, bitter substances for digestion, supplies for the medicine cabinet or delicious ingredients for the kitchen - fruits, herbs and roots are suitable for all these purposes. The course provides information about healthy natural products.
Tuesday, 19 November, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
The reason. The new conflicts over our soils. Reading and discussion with Tanja Busse.
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, event hall
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2410260
In her book "Der Grund. The new conflicts over our soils - and how they can be resolved", Tanja Busse and Christiane Grefe take a look at current debates and conflicts surrounding soils. While individual corporations in eastern Germany are buying up large areas of land in one go, young people are unable to access land and small and medium-sized farms can no longer keep up with purchase and lease prices. At the same time, fertile soils are being sealed by the construction of new roads, residential and industrial areas and the valuable humus layer in cleared agricultural landscapes is being blown away or washed away by increasingly frequent heavy rainfall. Over-fertilisation, pesticides and pollutants not only pollute the soil, but also the water, animals and plants.
We would like to discuss these issues with the author Tanja Busse: What are the central problems of soil policy and where are the starting points for change? What can agricultural structure laws achieve? How can farms secure their land? What are the central problems of land policy and where are the starting points for change?
Tanja Busse writes about agriculture, nutrition, biodiversity and sustainability. Her book "Die Einkaufsrevolution" (2006) became a longseller. Her most recent publications include "Das Sterben der anderen. How we can still save biodiversity".
This event is a co-operation between Weiterdenken - Heinrich Böll Foundation Saxony and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Tuesday, 26 November, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Current challenges and debates in German foreign policy. A town hall discussion
Location: Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, event hall
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2410250
International power shifts, complex crises, wars and areas of conflict, the role of Europe and the West, growing authoritarianism, the consequences of climate change or ongoing debates about weakening the United Nations or the European Union - the list of German foreign policy issues is long and varied. At the same time, Germany plays a central role in international politics and is called upon to act as a mediator.
On this evening, we invite you to a discussion on current topics and fields of action in German foreign policy. Employees of the Federal Foreign Office will provide insights into their work and answer questions in a moderated dialogue format.
Wednesday, 27 November, 5 to 6.30 p.m.
Avoiding food waste
Location: Adult education centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room see vhs room advert
Participation: free of charge, registration link www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2433201
Food waste is everyone's business. In this course, the speaker from the Saxony Consumer Advice Centre will show how to avoid too much food waste, thereby conserving resources and saving money at the same time. She will explain where most of the waste is produced and how to rationalise the use of food in everyday life and make good use of leftovers.
You will also receive valuable tips on the shelf life, hygiene, storage and avoidance of food waste as well as helpful shopping tips.
The event is a cooperation between the Consumer Protection Centre Saxony and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Information from the adult education centre:
Prior registration is important for all courses and events. This can be done by telephone on 0371 488-4343, by e-mail to info(at)vhs-chemnitz.de or online via the registration link provided in the course information.
If an event is already fully booked, it is possible to be placed on the waiting list without obligation. Up-to-date information is available at www.vhs-chemnitz.de.