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Tea2B Fall 2019

 

Monday December 9

 

winter holidays 

 

WINTER HOLIDAYS

students' and professors' conversations
about festivities in our last Tea 2B
with tea and German Christmas biscuits

! Room 6K - everyone is invited  

 

 

 

 

Monday December 2

 

notea2b

on Monday December 2 there will be

No Tea2B

we will be back on December 9!!

 

 

 

 

Monday November 25, 5 pm

 

tea 

 

Preparations for the Workshop of Friday November 29th

students' and professors' conversations about the draft program of the workshop (available at this link)

over tea and biscuits

 

! Room 6K - everyone is invited

 

 

 

 

 

Monday November 11, 5 pm

 

tea
 

 

TEA TIME AND CULTURES

students' and professors' conversations about worlds behind tea, tea cultures and production across continents - inspired by Prof. Modesti

over tea and biscuits

 

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 

 

 

 

 

Monday November 4, 5 pm

 

ducks 3955110 640 

 

RACISM, RACIAL AWARENESS, POLITICALLY CORRECT, COSMOPOLITANISM

students' and professors' informal conversations, over a cup of tea and biscuits

 

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 

 

 

 

 

Monday October 14, 5 pm

 

DARPA Big Data
 

 

DEMOCRACY AND THE INFORMATION AGE

students' and professors' informal conversations, over a cup of tea and biscuits
with the participation of prof. Christopher Bail, in preparation for the VIU Plenary Workshop on the Information Age of Nov 29th

 

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 

picture by DARPA

 

 

Monday October 7, 5 pm

 

icon 2486501 640 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA: THE (UN)DOCUMENTED WORLD

students' and professors' informal conversations
on the use of social media, especially when traveling (in preparation of the Plenary Workshop on the Information Age of Nov 29th) over a cup of tea and biscuits

 

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 

picture by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

 

 

Monday September 30, 5 pm

 

act locally

 

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
The Globalization Program and local impact - students and professors cultural and environmental impact on Venice.

Students' and professors' informal conversation discussing about the platforms of historical awareness for the future generations, over a cup of tea and biscuits

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 

Image by Kevin Dooley - Flickr

 

 

Monday September 23, 5 pm

 

we want you
 

WE WANT YOU FOR THE TRANSCULTURAL PLAY

We want to discuss questions like:
_How do you dress when you go to school?
_How to insult someone?
_What do you eat for breakfast?
_How do you show wealth in your country?

COME AND REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY!

 

 

Tea2B Spring 2019

 

Informal academic conversations, tea and biscuits at prof. Pes' office on Mondays.
Room 2B, 5 pm.

 

 

 

Monday May 13, 5 pm

 

girl 

 

How to Remember the Holocaust in Modern Times

students' and professors' informal conversation discussing about the platforms of historical awareness for the future generations, over a cup of tea and biscuits

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Monday April 29, 5 pm

 

sustainable life 

A MORE SUSTAINABLE DAILY ROUTINE

How can we make our everyday life more sustainable?
Who can teach us about it? Where can we find sustainable products? How can we produce them ourselves?
Which products can be replaced by more sustainable ones?
Coordination by VIU students Clara, Laura and Tonja.

Informal discussion with tea and biscuits

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 

 

 

 


 

 

Monday April 15, 5 pm

 

va sentiero 

 

GLOBAL SHAPERS MEET VIU

Filippo Dal Prà and Hady El Hajj, of the Global Shapers Venice hub, present the World Economic Forum's young Community and its projects on sustainable traveling, water pollution, reforestation and youth education

Informal discussion with tea and biscuits

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 

 


 

 

 

Monday April 1, 5 pm

 

we want you
 

WE WANT YOU FOR THE TRANSCULTURAL PLAY

We want to discuss questions like:
_How do you dress when you go to school?
_How to insult someone?
_What do you eat for breakfast?
_How do you show wealth in your country?

COME AND REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY!

 

 

 

Monday March 25

due to juxtaposition with other activities on Monday March 25th there will be

notea2b

No Tea2B

we will be back on April 1st!!

 


 

 

Monday March 18, 5pm

 

europe 155191 640
 

EU Elections
with Sara De Vido

Informal and informative conversation on the
European Elections (23-26 May 2019) and on
Brexit (supposed deadline 29 March 2019): two events, which could change the European landscape

Informal discussion with tea and biscuits

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 


 

Monday March 11, 5pm

 

names 

WHO2B?

What does a name say?

What meaning do first names have in your country? How are names created and who chooses them?
What does a name say about your personality?
What about alternative names and nicknames?

Informal discussion with tea and biscuits

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 


 

Monday March 4, 5pm

 

memory 

Memory

students' and professors' informal conversation over a cup of tea and biscuits
in preparation for the VIU Plenary Workshop to be held on May 17

Room 2B - everyone is invited

 


 

Monday February 25, 5pm

 

bauta

What is the Carnival About?
critical introduction to what's going on in the city

History, functions, highlights, experiences of the Venetian Carnival.
Open and informal discussion over a cup of tea and frittelle (Carnival fried daughnuts).

Exceptionally in Room 9B - everyone is invited

 

Tea2B | 1st Semester 2023-24

 

Tea2B n°10 | Social Media
Monday, November 27, 2023 | 4.30 pm

drinking cultures image

How often do you use social media? How does it affect your life?
All students and professors are invited to join. Participants will be offered tea, drinks, crisps and biscuits!

 

 

 

Tea2B n°9 | Family
Monday, November 20, 2023 | 4.30 pm

drinking cultures image

How does the state define “family” and how does it support them? How close are people in your country to their families? What does it mean to you?
All students and professors are invited to join. Participants will be offered tea, drinks, crisps and biscuits!

 

 

 

Tea2B n°8 | Drinking Cultures
Monday, November 13, 2023 | 4.30 pm

drinking cultures image

What is the drinking culture in your country like?
All students and professors are invited to join. Participants will be offered tea, drinks, crisps and biscuits!

 

 

Tea2B n°7 | Migrations
Monday, November 6, 2023 | 4.30 pm

israel image

What has brought us to this juncture? What can we expect of the future of migrations? Join us at the Cafeteria to share experiences and opinions.
Participants will be offered tea, drinks, crisps and biscuits!

 

 

Tea2B n°6 | Neurodivergence & Mental Health
Monday, October 23, 2023 | 4.30 pm

israel image

Is it possible to talk openly about neurodivergence and mental illness in your country? What can universities or other institutions do to help those affected? How can we better recognise neurodivergence and mental illness? How are these issues represented in media?

 

 

Tea2B n°5 | The Difficult Situation Happening in Israel at the Moment
Monday, October 16, 2023 | 4.30 pm

israel image

Join us to talk about the recent terror attack and its horrifying impact on civilians. Professors and students are invited to take part in the open discussion, ask questions or just come listen.

 

 

Tea2B n°3 | Impacts of Climate Change
Monday, October 2, 2023 | 4.30 pm

planet b image

This week we’re going to discuss the impact of climate change! How does climate change affect you and the people around you physically and mentally? How does your government deal with the challenges? Which role do protest groups play?

 

 

Tea2B n°2 | Dating and Marriage Culture
Monday, September 25, 2023 | 4.30 pm

dating image

How have dating apps influenced our choice of partners? What is the future going to look like in terms of dating? We will discuss the institution of marriage from the perspective of diverse cultures, how the media and the internet shape a relationship today, and so much more!

 

 

Tea2B n°1 | First Impressions and Expectations
Monday, September 18, 2023 | 4.30 pm

First Impressions and Expectations image

Do you have any exciting stories about navigating the labyrinthine canals or finding the best gelato in Venice?
All students and professors are invited to share experiences and feelings about VIU and Venice at the start of this semester.
Participants will be offered tea, drinks, crisps and biscuits!

 

 

 

Tea2B | 1st Semester 2024-25

Tea2B n°12 | Gender Roles Across Cultures
Monday, December 9, 2024 | 4.30 pm
San Servolo cafè

Tea2b 12

Students and professors are invited to a discussion on gender roles across cultures at 4:30 pm at the San Servolo Café. Together, we will explore how gender roles manifest in family dynamics workplaces, and pop culture, and how they shape these aspects of society around the world. Come share your observations and insights.

 

 

Tea2B n°11 | Semester Ending Ceremony
Monday, December 2, 2024 | 4.30 pm
San Servolo cafè

Tea2b 11

Students and Professors are invited to the San Servolo café at 4.30 pm for an informal discussion on the upcoming Semester Ending Ceremony, to exchange current ideas and come up with new ones.

 

 

Tea2B n°10 | Biennale 2024
Monday, November 25, 2024 | 4.30 pm
San Servolo cafè

Tea2b 10

Students and Professors are invited to the San Servolo café at 4.30 pm for an informal and friendly gathering to discuss the theme of the week.

 

 

Tea2B n°9 | Persona Workshop Wrap Up
Monday, November 18, 2024 | 4.30 pm
San Servolo cafè

Tea2b 9

Students and Professors are invited to the San Servolo café at 4.30 pm for an informal and friendly gathering to discuss the theme of the week.

 

 

Tea2B n°8 | Superstitions
Monday, November 11, 2024 | 4.30 pm
San Servolo cafè

Tea2b superstitions 

Students and professors are invited to a discussion on superstitions or folk beliefs common in their culture at the San Servolo Café. Share funny, strange, or profound beliefs and discuss how they influence your daily life!

 

 

 

Tea2B n°6 | Tea2B
Monday, October 21, 2024 | 4.30 pm
San Servolo cafè

 

Students and Professors are invited to the San Servolo café on Monday at 4.30 pm for an informal and friendly gathering to discuss the theme of the week.

 

 

Tea2B n°5 | What to do on weekends?
Monday, October 14, 2024 | 4.30 pm
San Servolo cafè

movie2b

Students and Professors are invited to the San Servolo café on Monday at 4.30 pm to exchange recommendations on visiting destinations inside and outside Venice.

 

 

Tea2B n°4 | Movie2B
Monday, October 7, 2024 | 4.30 pm
Room 9A

movie2b

Students are invited to a screening for the movie Coffee and Cigarettes by Jim Jarmush (2003, 96 min). We will also have a discussion of the movie at the Café afterward.
Please join us for a great time!

 

 

Tea2B n°3 | Planning for the Plenary Workshop
Monday, September 30, 2024 | 4.30 pm

Students and Professors are invited to the San Servolo café on Monday at 4.30 pm for an informal and friendly gathering to discuss the theme of the week.

 

 

Tea2B n°2 | Barbecue2B
Monday, September 23, 2024 | 6 pm

First Impressions and Expectations image

This week the Tea2B meeting will be substituted by the VIU Barbecue.
You are invited to bring your own drinks and food to grill, to enjoy the sunset with music and good company. Everyone is invited to prepare a dish from their home country! This activity is open to all students and faculty.

 

 

Tea2B n°1 | Accent(s)
Monday, September 16, 2024 | 4.30 pm

First Impressions and Expectations image

Students and professors are invited to the San Servolo Cafè for an informal and friendly gathering, to discuss accents in English and their native language and their social and cultural significance.

 

 

 

Tea2B | 2nd Semester 2022-23

Tea2B n°9 | Summer Vibes
Monday, May 15, 2023 | 4.30 pm 

summer vibes

Although it doesn't feel like summer yet, our favorite season is arriving soon and we can't wait to enjoy the warm sun and sense of freedom!
Students and professors are welcome to come and discuss your plans for this summer, and share ideas for the best summer activities.

 

 

Tea2B n°8 | Dating
Wednesday, May 8, 2023 | 4.30 pm 

dating

Professors and students are invited to join in and discuss. 

 

 

Tea2B n°7 | Labour
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 | 4.30 pm 

labour rights

As we just celebrated Labor Day, which historically celebrates workers’ struggles for labor rights, we invite students and professors to discuss the concept of work, differences between different labor markets and work habits in different countries, and the way Covid-19 has affected the way of working globally. 

 

 

Tea2B n°6 | Beauty Ideals
Monday, April 3, 2023 | 4.30 pm 

beauty ideals

Beauty ideals have always existed, in different forms that vary according to different cultures and times. How are beauty ideals different in each of our cultures and how does it affect us today? Professors and students are invited to join in and discuss. 

 

 

Tea2B n°5 | Veil, Ignorance, and the Veil of Ignorance
Monday, March 27, 2023 | 4.30 pm 

veil

In Iran, women and men are protesting against the Iranian government while burning their mandatorily-worn veils. The protests started with the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini and have been ongoing since September 2022. On the other side of the world, France bans the concealment of the face in public spaces and the wearing of religious symbols in public schools.
Students and professors are invited to informally discuss personal choice, religious freedom, and cultural identity along with the values of the Mahsa Amini movement and freedom of protest.

 

 

 

Tea2B n°4 | Russo-Ukrainian War
Monday, March 20, 2023 | 4.30 pm 

Russo Ukrainian War

More than a year has passed since the terrible events of February 24, 2022. During this year, many people have experienced a whole range of emotions: shock, anger, shame, grief, and so on. The consequences of this conflict affected everyone. Moreover, this war produced an incredible media effect, it was observed "live" in almost every part of the world. After 385 days, the question of the future of this conflict is still open. Students and Professors are invited to discuss the hard topic of war and tell how this tragedy is seen in different cultural contexts.

 

 

Tea2B n°3 | Technology, Learning and ChatGPT
Monday, March 13, 2023 | 4.30 pm

chatgpt image

Technology and artificial intelligence have entered our lives rapidly in almost every aspect, including education, and are more available than ever. Students and professors are invited to informally talk about the perks and cons of such phenomena, in particular ChatGPT, and how they will change life in academia.
Tea and other drinks will be offered to participants.

 

 

Tea2B n°2 | MENTAL HEALTH
Monday, March 6, 2023 | 4.30 pm

mental health image

Mental health is a phrase we hear a lot these days, which could mean many things.
Students and professors are welcome to chat about what mental health means to us, what is mental health in modern society, what’s the importance of it, and how can we create such a healthy environment at VIU and in our home universities.
Tea and/or other drinks with biscuits and crisps will be offered to participants.

 

 

Tea2B n°1 | STUDY HABITS
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 | 4.30 pm

study habits image

As we start our first week of courses at VIU, students and professors are invited to informally talk about study habits in different cultures. Our habits vary according to teaching systems, how we perceive education in society and more. This is a great opportunity to learn about other methods of studying and get to know each other through this topic.
Tea, other drinks and biscuits will be offered to participants.

 

 

 

Tea2B | 2nd Semester 2023-24

 

Tea2B n°10 | Mafia - Discussion and game
Monday, May 6, 2024 | 4.30 pm

Tea2b 10 

All of VIU is invited to Monday’s T2B on Mafia! Students and professors are invited to discuss the idea and influence of the mafia as a cultural and political phenomenon. And of course, we'll be playing the game Mafia! The discussion will be held once again in the San Servolo café at 4:30 pm.

 

 

Tea2B n°9 | Protests
Monday, April 29, 2024 | 4.30 pm

Tea2b 9 

All of VIU is invited to Monday’s T2B on Protests! In light of the ongoing controversy and resistance towards the new Access Fee in Venice, students and professors are invited to discuss this new wave of protests, protests in general, their effectiveness, as well as other forms of rebellion.

 

 

Tea2B n°8 | Foreigners Everywhere
Monday, April 22, 2024 | 4.30 pm

tea2b 5

Students and professors are invited to an informal discussion about Biennale 2024: Foreigners Everywhere! Although the event will once again begin in the San Servolo Cafe at 4:30 PM, attendants will have the opportunity to go on a group tour of the various art exhibits set up in San Servolo.

 

 

Tea2B n°7 | Barbecue2B
Monday, April 15, 2024 | 6 pm

tea2b 5

Students and Professors are invited to a spring barbecue in San Servolo. Bring your own drinks and food to grill, to enjoy the sunset with music and good company. Everyone is invited to prepare a dish from their home country!

 

 

Tea2B n°6 | Holiday adventures
Monday, April 8, 2024 | 4.30 pm

tea2b 5

Students and Professors are invited to the San Servolo cafe on Monday at 16:30 for friendly chat about holidays, adventures and the memories they create.

 

 

Tea2B n°5 | Spring celebration Easter egg hunt!
Monday, March 25, 2024 | 4.30 pm

tea2b 5

Students and Professors are invited to Easter egg-ventures, in an Easter Eggs-travaganza event, eggsactly at 16:30 at the San Servolo Cafe. We shall go for an Egg hunt divided into egg teams and end with an eggversation on Spring Celebrations across the world.

 

Tea2B n°4 | Artificial Intelligence - introduced by Prof. Mark Wenig
Monday, March 18, 2024 | 4.30 pm

tea2b4_artificial intelligence

Students and Professors are invited to the San Servolo cafe on Monday at 16:30 for an informal and friendly gathering to discuss the rise and impact of Artificial Intelligence, with a brief introduction by Prof. Mark Wenig.

 

 

Tea2B n°3 | Films and TV series
Monday, March 11, 2024 | 4.30 pm

tea2b 3 tv and tv series

Students and Professors are invited to the San Servolo cafe on Monday at 16:30 for an informal and friendly gathering to discuss interesting movies and TV shows, favorite directors and actors, the 2024 Oscar Prizes, and the way cinema affects our lives and societies.

 

 

Tea2B n°2 | Beyond the Canals: Personal Perspectives of Venice
Monday, March 4, 2024 | 4.30 pm

Beyond the canals image

Students and professors are invited to the San Servolo Cafè for an informal and friendly gathering, to express their own experience of Venice.

 

 

Tea2B n°1 | Similarities and Differences
Monday, February 26, 2024 | 4.30 pm

First Impressions and Expectations image

Students and professors are invited to the San Servolo Cafè for an informal and friendly gathering, to discuss similarities and differences in university life across the world.

 

 

 

Tea2B | Fall 2020

Monday December 7, 5 pm CET

tea2b6_PolicyLanguage


You are all invited to join us at our of Tea2b session “China and Europe. Understandings and misunderstandings”. This time, we will have two *secret* special guests, who will provide us with first-hand insights from Chinese culture, from the upbringing to education, politics and everything else that sets apart these two societies on one side, and brings them together on the other. We will share, compareand analyse while trying to understand how these specific traits affect us and our positioning in the globalizing world. You are kindly invited to with us your thoughts and different remarks.
See you on Monday on Zoom: zoom.us/j/94609964347 . 

 

Monday November 23, 5 pm CET

tea2b5_CanDemocracySaveTheEnvironment

During the VIU plenary workshop that took place on Friday November 20, 2020, various interventions explored the theme "Can democracy save the environment?". 

Poems and songs in different languages reconnected us with our feelings to different ideas of human and the environment, Venetian lagoon and the policies that modified its environment throughout the centuries made us reflect on the role of politics and economy in harming or protecting the ecosystems. Then, we questioned today's democracies and we shared our doubts stating, it depends how you do democracy! Lastly the debate was introduced, tackling the pro and contra of democracy dealing with environmental issues. We hope we sparked your enthusiasm and look forward to continuing the debate in a more relaxed and informal way. 

Bring your reflections and your ideas, and see you on Monday!
This time as well the meeting will be held online on Zoom: zoom.us/j/94609964347 .  

 

Monday November 16, 5 pm CET

tea2b4_CulturalAppropriation

You are warmly invited to join us at the fourth session of Tea2b, where we will discuss Cultural
appropriation vs. Cultural appreciation.


We will try to explore which are the constituent elements of a culture. Further on, we will discuss which of these elements are influenced by external factors, such as foreign cultures and which are the elements within an individual culture that can influence other cultures. Why and where this process arises? Do you think this process has changed its basal components and what role did globalization have in it? How severe was the impact? What are the prospects? What effects will it have on the future development of culture? You are kindly invited to share with us your thoughts and different remarks.
This time as well the meeting will be held online on Zoom: zoom.us/j/94609964347 .  

 

Monday November 9, 5 pm CET

Tea2B_cultural_experiences_Venice

You are all invited to join our Tea2B, on Monday, November 9, at 5 pm. This time we'll discuss about experiencing culture in Venice.

First we will try to explore how have we been experiencing culture until now. Do you think this has changed because of Covid-19? How severe was the impact? What are the prospects? What effects will it have on the future development of culture? We will invite you to share your thoughts, feelings and different remarks that you might had in the past few weeks.

Our discussion will be concluded by virtual walk through different cultural experiences, as voted for in the online questionnaire. We will explore what changes have been made regarding the current situation of pandemics and what information might come in handy as you continue with experiencing culture in Venice and surroundings in the upcoming weeks.

The meeting will be held online on Zoom. Here's the link to join the discussion: https://zoom.us/j/94609964347 

 

Monday November 2, 5 pm CET

tea2b_Environmental_issues

VIU students and professors are invited to join our Tea2B, promoted by prof. Pes, on Monday, November 2, at 5 pm.

The meeting will be held in person, in Room 1G.

This Tea2B will be focusing on the very expensive MOSE flood barrier in Venice and its consequences on the lagoon environment. A discussion on climate change in different countries will follow.

 

Monday October 19, 5 pm CET

tea2b1_LGBTQ+

You are all invited to join the first TEA2B session of this semester, at 5 pm CET in Room 1G in San Servolo!

This week we'll discuss the LGBTQ+ struggles and fights for rights, which have gone global. Indeed, as as the Nigerian activist Aderonke Apata says “In some countries, gays have the same rights as other capitalists, but intersex people don’t, trans people don’t...”

What are the different intersections of the LGBTQ+ struggles in different countries? In richer countries big brands are enhancing campaigns which target LGBTQ+ people.

Are big brands and big companies helping the LGBTQ+ struggles with their target specific campaigns? What are the effects of the interventions of big brands on specific intersections?

Our three REDs students will be happy to have a discussion on this topic with you.

Teaching in the Globalization Program

VIU's Globalization Program provides a truly multicultural, international and interdisciplinary environment for students and professors of the member universities. Both students and professors come from different cultural backgrounds (with more than 20 nationalities represented in a semester) and from different academic traditions (e.g. American students are accustomed to class discussions, Italian students to lectures), and come from a range of disciplines (many come from Liberal Arts schools, others are studying for more discipline-oriented degrees such as economics, history, architecture or environmental studies, or are studying in interdisciplinary degree programs such as international relations).

Some students avail of the opportunity to study at VIU in order to take courses that are not strictly in their field of study. Students in the program attend one or two semesters at Venice International University as part of their bachelor's or master’s degree at one of the member universities.

The program provides a powerful learning experience in which students develop their capacity for critical thinking and creative problem-solving.  Students exposed to interdisciplinary approaches can think analytically and can creatively embrace new ideas. In addition, the intercultural nature of the program, with each student bringing her/his own personal experience to discussions, means that students are exposed to perspectives other than their own, and consequently experience the benefits of embracing difference. Students of the Globalization Program are thus more prepared for graduate and professional study and for careers in new and emerging fields.

Courses should not require preliminary knowledge of the topic, as they are open to students from any discipline. They should, however, remain challenging for students of that specific field of study.

Call for applications for Lectureships in the Globalization Program
Calls are open to tenured professors (or equivalent as defined by the home university) in the member universities.
The next deadline for presenting course proposals: March 15, 2026

The Call for Academic Years 2026-27, 2027-28, 2028-29 is now open. 

 

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Summer Session | August 4 to August 29, 2026

Since 2022 Venice International University has offered a Summer Session to extend further the opportunity to study and teach at VIU to students and professors from the member universities.

Through this opportunity, VIU will also serve the needs of those students who otherwise face barriers to participation during the semester-long programs, due to the structure of their curricula, socio-economic factors, cultural factors, and personal circumstances. 

The Summer Session is also an opportunity for professors who, due to teaching, research, administrative, or personal commitments, are otherwise unable to spend a full semester at VIU. 

In 2026 VIU aims to hold up to 6 courses during the month of August, with a virtual component taking place during July. 
 
Call for Applications for Lectureships in the 2026 Summer Session.

Issued: January 28, 2026

Deadline: February 28, 2026

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Professors who may be interested in teaching at VIU in the future should contact their university's representative on the VIU Academic Council

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Art of Conversation and Conversation in Art: from the Renaissance to Science Communication and Beyond

In the Church of San Zaccaria, in front of the "Sacra Conversazione" by Giovanni Bellini, Massimiano Bucchi and Brian Trench guided participants in a fascinating historical journey from conversation in art to conversation in science.

Read below a piece by Marco Boscolo, a science writer from Bologna who took part in the event.

 

The importance of conversing, also in science communication

The Church of San Zaccaria, a few minutes on foot away from Piazza San Marco and Palazzo Ducale in Venice, contains one of the many remarkable paintings by Giovanni Bellini. The Italian maestro created the painting in 1505 in memory of the Venetian diplomat Pietro Cappello. The scene depicted is a classical representation of a "sacra conversazione", or sacred conversation: the Madonna and Child on a throne, a musical angel on the steps and four saints arranged symmetrically on both sides: Peter the Apostle, Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Lucia and Saint Jerome. In front of this masterpiece of the late Bellini, Massimiano Bucchi and Brian Trench brought all the participants of the 2023 PCST Venice Symposium to reflect on the importance of conversing, also in the field of science communication.

The verb 'conversare' (to converse) comes from two Latin words: cum, which means with, and versare, which means to come together, to pass time together. In this sense, San Zaccaria's painting is a conversation, in the same meaning that for centuries, when noble and notable people were receiving at home, they would advertise the opportunity as a conversation. Thus, to converse in this way is more than to talk: it is a form of multi-voice dialogue from which comes an exchange of knowledge on different levels.

The idea of the conversation has characterized the whole Venice event, with - for example - keynote speeches turned into keynote conversations. The conversation among all participants has continued in the four working groups dedicated to different aspects of science communication today:

  • Supporting researchers' public communication
  • Recruiting science communication professionals and developing their competencies
  • Evaluating and improving the quality of research communication
  • Using science communication research results in institutional activities

The collective elaboration of the inputs and ideas will become a report of recommendations in the next few weeks.

ENJOI project contributed to the general discussion and the group on evaluation and improvement of the communication quality with the idea of engagement that emerged after the ENJOI Labs, Workshops and the various interviews with communication professionals, stakeholders and members of the civil society. The potential in the engagement practice, especially in the field of science journalism, has been summarized in a passage in the ENJOI Manifesto:

Engagement is becoming ever deeper. Rather than being a single step, it plays a role in the whole life cycle of information. This is already affecting the information agenda and the way communication is designed.

Engagement provides the opportunity of meaningful two-way dialogue, but should avoid the risk of bending science communication to populism.

As a conversazione as Bellini intended, ENJOI project proposes implementing engagement throughout the communication process, not just at the beginning as a simple check on a to-do list.

 

Original article: https://enjoiscicomm.eu/the-importance-of-conversing-also-in-science-communication/  

 

Co-organized by

VIU logoPCST logo

 

The Broken Archive. Live-action role-playing (LARP) game

Friday, October 18, 2024

10 am, Room 5X

 

Designed by Jana Romanova, artist specialising in LARP* and photography (www.janaromanova.com).

This role playing game is an invitation to reflect on how family memory and family identity is constructed through photographs and how family archives are constructed, preserved, forgotten or displaced. In “The Broken Archive” you are invited to collectively narrate a story of a family based on the pieces of torn-apart family archives. By selecting and touching photographs you will access the memory of the situation right before the image was created. During the play you’ll be recreating those memories to understand what led to the archive being destroyed in a hope to understand human nature a bit better.

We will start with a workshop part to learn the rules and characters and warm up, and will finish after the game with sharing our impressions. No prior experience in either role-play games or archive research is needed. You only need to bring your curiosity with you.

*Live-Action Role-Playing game (or LARP) is a social game in which participants portray fictional characters and build relationships with other characters on their behalf. LARPs are a method of co-creating narratives together and living through experiences we would not have in our daily lives

 

This co-curricular activity is an integral part of the courses F2424 Understanding and Analyzing Photography in the Humanities and F2425 Memory, Identity and Fantasy in private Photography and is therefore strongly recommended for enrolled students. However, note that enrolled students must confirm their participation by signing up on the list by Wednesday, October 16, 12 pm, at the Front Office.

Some places can be available to interested non enrolled students.