The modern world in context: At home, online, and beyond the boundaries of time II.
Annotation:
"The Modern World in Context: At Home, Online, and Beyond the Boundaries of Time II" is the second year of a course designed for students of the University of the Third Age. In the 2026/2027 academic year, it will offer a total of 20 lectures and practical workshops. Participants will learn about current topics in everyday life, from intergenerational differences, digital technologies, advertising, travel, and sustainability to cultural heritage. The course connects social topics with personal experiences and offers inspiration for an active and open approach to the contemporary world.
*The cost of field trips, tastings, and fish preparation is not included in the course fee. We will provide you with the program details throughout the year, and you can decide for yourself whether to participate in the field trips.
Note: The order of the lectures is subject to change.
More information:
1/ Paths to Health, Happiness, and Well-Being
Well-Being: How to Take Care of Your Well-Being
This lecture will explore what promotes well-being and how to nurture it. It will focus on mental health, coping with challenging situations, and interpersonal relationships, and will offer practical tips for everyday life.
Spas as a Health Phenomenon: From Antiquity to the Present
You’ll discover the evolution of the spa industry from antiquity to the present, the significance of Czech and European spas, and their contribution to health tourism. You’ll learn why the Czech spa industry is one of a kind worldwide.
The Art of Relaxation: Wellness, Life Balance, and Care for Body and Soul
We’ll present wellness as a path to balance for both body and soul. We’ll focus on a healthy lifestyle, local cuisine, digital detox, and other modern approaches to self-care.
2/ Holidays and Traditions Across Cultures
The Roots That Unite Us: From the Czech All Souls’ Day to Global Customs
You’ll learn about the traditions of All Souls’ Day and other holidays associated with remembering ancestors in the Czech Republic and around the world. The lecture will explore their symbolism, evolution, and significance for families and society.
A Global Holiday Calendar: Fall and Winter Traditions in English-Speaking Countries
You’ll learn about fall and winter holidays in English-speaking countries, their traditions, and interesting facts. The session will include quizzes, comparisons with Czech customs, and light practice exercises.
3/ Money, Law, and Justice in Everyday Life
The Economy Through the Ages: 250 Years Since the Publication of *The Wealth of Nations*
This lecture will present Adam Smith’s main ideas and their significance for today’s economy. You will learn how markets, competition, and the division of labor work, and why these principles remain relevant today.
Law in Practice: Understanding Joint Ownership
Using practical examples, we’ll explore how joint ownership works, what rights and obligations it entails, and how to resolve the most common disputes. Emphasis will also be placed on communication and finding common...
Justice in the Crosshairs: Forensics, Suspense, and True Stories
You’ll get a glimpse into the world of forensics, the real work of investigators, and the history of the detective genre. You’ll learn how reality differs from the movies and why crime stories fascinate us so much.
4/ When Christmas Comes
From the Christmas Villa to the Advent Markets: The Festive Atmosphere of České Budějovice *
We’ll visit Hardtmuth’s Villa on a guided historical tour and then stroll through the Advent markets in České Budějovice. You can look forward to a pleasant time together in the Christmas spirit.
Fish Cuisine and Its Impact on Human Health / Tasting or Hands-On Demonstration of Preparation *
Fish is an integral part of a Czech Christmas, but its significance extends far beyond the Christmas Eve table. This lecture will introduce traditions associated with fish cuisine, highlight the health benefits of fish, and offer inspiration on how to incorporate fish into your diet—not just during the holiday season. After the lecture, participants will be able to choose between a tasting of fish specialties or a hands-on demonstration of how to prepare them*.
5/ The World of Information and New Technologies
Basics of Digital and Computer Literacy: How to Overcome Your Fear of Technology and Make the Most of Its Potential
This lecture offers an accessible introduction to the world of digital technologies and helps you gain greater confidence when working with a computer. You’ll learn the basics of working with files, the Internet, email, cloud storage, and practical applications.
Mastering Office: How to Use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
This hands-on workshop will guide you through the most commonly used Microsoft Office programs. You’ll learn how to edit documents in Word, work with basic functions and data in Excel, and create clear and organized presentations in PowerPoint.
Teaching Math: Smartly and with Ease
This lecture will introduce modern approaches to teaching math and show how to develop logical thinking without unnecessary anxiety. It will offer inspiration for both everyday life and contemporary education.
Where Guests Become Friends: The Magic of Community-Based Tourism
Discover community-based tourism, which is built on collaboration between locals and visitors. We’ll explore its benefits, risks, and inspiring real-world examples.
7/ Spring Traditions
A Year of Celebrations Abroad: Spring and Summer Holidays in the English-Speaking World
This lecture will introduce spring and summer holidays in English-speaking countries, along with their traditions and symbolism. It will include quizzes, interesting language facts, and comparisons with Czech customs.
8/ The Culinary Heritage of the World and the Czech Republic
The World on a Plate: A Story of Flavors Across the Centuries
You’ll learn how trade, technology, and society have influenced our eating habits, from traditional delicacies to today’s gastronomy. We’ll also focus on sustainability and current trends.
Treasures of Czech Cuisine: Traditions, Regions, and Changes in Eating Habits
This lecture will guide you through the history of Czech cuisine, regional specialties, and changes in eating habits. It will highlight the importance of food for traditions, tourism, and regional identity.
When Knowledge Becomes Experience: A Field Trip to Explore Examples of Best Practices *
The final field trip will showcase inspiring projects that combine landscape stewardship, traditions, and regional development. It will provide an opportunity for learning, sharing experiences, and informal networking.
9/ Closing Ceremony for the Two-Year Course
Defense of Final Theses
Graduation Ceremony
Files:
Ke kurzu nejsou žádné přílohy
Contact:
Bc. Adéla Lišková
