CfP: Corridors Summer School - Strengthening Peace Education Capacities in the Caucasus
31 August – 05 September 2020 in Neudietendorf (Germany)
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Corridors Summer School
Strengthening Peace Education Capacities in the Caucasus
31 August – 05 September 2020 in Neudietendorf (Germany)
CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS
Conflicts are commonplace in the coexisting of individuals, groups, societies, and countries. The challenge we often face is to resolve these disputes peacefully and constructively, which requires several specific skills and competencies. Sound knowledge of such competencies enables us to analyse and address complex conflict structures and dynamics. Three dynamics characterise protracted conflicts in the Caucasus: (1) the collective alienation and (self-)isolation of societies which cause shrinking spaces for dialogue over the divide; and (2) the narrow understanding of the complex conflict structures in Europe, and the need for new and innovative ideas for peaceful conflict transformation in the region; and (3) lack of young specialists dealing with the issues mentioned above in a professional manner. One vital goal of the Corridors programme is to strengthen youth capacities to manage conflicts within their societies.
Therefore, the international Summer School aims to introduce the participants to the fundamentals of conflict analysis and peacebuilding. Moreover, we strive to train the participants on core competencies in the field of dialogue, mediation, and self-awareness. Finally, the one-week gathering offers 22 students and recent graduates the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from each other. To achieve these objectives, the Summer School combines lectures and interactive training in the field of formal and informal peace education by German as well as international practitioners and scholars. In addition to the capacity building components, we explore the beautiful nature of the Saale-Unstrut region and the rich culture of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Weimar in joint excursions and group activities.
Organisers
The Summer School is organised by the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena (FSU) and the non-profit organisation Corridors, together with additional international partners. The Chair for International Relations at FSU has a strong focus on the study of peace and conflict and of international organisations in conflict management. Corridors is a non-profit organisation that develops and implements joint education and capacity building projects for young people in protracted conflicts. Furthermore, Corridors facilitates dialogue and knowledge exchange between communities in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Europe.
Thanks to funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), all workshop-related costs, including travel, accommodation, excursions, and full board, are covered by the organizers.
Participants
The Corridors Summer School is open to students and recent graduates from the South Caucasus, Russia, and Germany with knowledge in political and social science, international relations, cultural studies, and neighbouring disciplines. The motivation and openness of the participants are more important than their academic background as we strive to bring together a diverse group. We ask all interested students and young graduates to send us a short application by 5 July 2020 latest. The application should include a brief letter of motivation (max one page) and a curriculum vitae. Please send your application to Christopher Brucker (Christopher.Brucker@uni-jena.de). If you have further questions, please contact us.
Given the uncertainties of the current pandemic, we will aim to find an alternative date later this year if it will be not possible to hold the summer school in September.
For further information
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Chair for International Relations
Corridors – Dialogue through Cooperation