Addressing Deep Roots of the Ecological Crisis: Towards New Strategies

PURPOSE

1. This course is intended for advanced students and those engaged in Ph.D programs to
understand more comprehensively the deep roots of the ecological crisis, engage creatively
in finding practical solutions to the pressing problems of humankind and enhance the
training of a mentality (cognition and emotion) that is apt to engage in a positive action fort
he betterment of human life.

2. The course follows an interdisciplinary approach for students especially with a background in
economics, environmental studies, cultural studies, politics, sociology, psychology, theology
and similar subjects. It is conducted by some oft he most well kown experts in their
respective fields worldwide. However, the disign is not merely additive, but the scholars will
reflect their disciplinary approaches at one another so as to generate new and more relevant
questions to our way of life and find complex solutions that are beyond the scope of our
compartmentalized understanding of reality.

3. The course is conducted in Myanmar, one of the new countries politically and ecologically,
most vulnerable and full of opportunities, bringing together eperiences of the ancient
Buddhist culture with the suffering of the present economic and ecological depression of a
Third World situation and at the same time reflecting on new ways to engage in building a
better future.

4. Students would benefit from this cross-over situation, make intense contacts in small groups
with the international scientific elite and work out projects for further engagement on the
level of national and international organizations dealing with the ecological situation such as
United Nations Agencies, Think Tanks, Foundations, NGO’s etc. This summer school is an
ideal place to network academically, personally and institutionally.