History

C03 Ancient History and Our Time - How to Build a Bridge Over the Centuries?
Ágnes Balassa, Marcus Osterrieder |  Saturday – Thursday, 8 – 9.30 am
Markus Osterrieder will introduce basic topics like: Early earth and climate changes; transitions to sedentism; peasants and nomadic horsemen; sacral kingship and social differentiation; temple and city. The seminar will give an understanding of the pedagogical approach to class 10 History lessons presented by Agnes Balassa. We will focus on how to build the basis for understanding History in the Upper School, how to deliver topics of the Ancient Times and their connection to the present by awakening the activity of the students. We will experience different learning methods (projects, individual, group, artistic activities, etc.) and will try to create parts of a main lesson plan. This course is suggested not only for history teachers but to anyone who is willing to apply these skills and techniques in their lessons or who simply is interested in a social science approach to class 10.

C18 / S18 History from Multiple Perspectives: Farming and Animal Husbandry - Historical and Cultural Transformations Leading to New Relationships between Humans and Nature (bilingual):
Ágnes Balassa, Markus Osterrieder, Martyn Rawson  |  Saturday – Wednesday, 4.45 – 6.15 pm
Transformation processes from hunters/gatherer societies to sedentary lifestyles through agriculture in various regions. The consequences of farming and animal husbandry and the development of the landscape. Religions, world-views, cultural values in early farming communities. The significance of early farming in history lessons. The relationships of human societies to nature and cultural transformation.

Literature

C02 / S2 Literatur in Grade 10: Comparative Studies – Myths of Different Cultures
Rita Schumacher, Stella Ottewill  |  Saturday – Thursday, 8 – 9.30 am
Comparative analysis of different extracts from myths (including the Song of the Nibelungs, and myths from various cultures). Working with mythic elements in modern texts. Developmental aspects of working with myth in the 10th grade

C14 Literature: Voices from South Africa (during and after apartheid) – Inequalities and Possibilities
Tatjana Pavlov-West  |  Saturday – Wednesday, 2.45 – 4.15 pm
South Africa has been marked by drastic changes spanning the colonial rule of the Dutch and the British, the subsequent system of legislated apartheid, to the nation’s transition towards the challenges of democratic rule. Since the dismantling of apartheid, a new image of South Africa as the harmonious “rainbow nation” has been reinforced in the media. Such images evoke the idea of a consensual community despite a reality that continues to be characterized by inequalities. As a result, the story of South Africa is often told and retold from many contrasting viewpoints. We will explore these contrasting viewpoints by looking at creative works by writers, artists and musicians produced during and after apartheid and encourage students to think about inequalities in general and to express their own views on this topic via some creative exercises. The aim is to trigger critical thinking and empathy and to recognize the complexity of South African culture and the importance of conveying this complexity via a variety of artistic voices in an age-appropriate, inspiring manner. (One South African short story will be sent to all participants a week before the conference. All other texts will be provided during the course.)