Meeting Point Sicily: An Identity and Coexistence Case Study

Description

Invaded and shaped by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, and others, Sicily has historically been a meeting point of civilizations.

This has created a uniquely layered identity that makes the region an ideal context to explore themes of coexistence, memory, and cultural transformation.

This course is designed to help teachers and educators promote cultural awareness and global understanding by using Sicily, particularly the city of Trapani, as a rich case study for cultural heritage and intercultural dialogue.

Throughout this course, participants will develop strategies to engage their students in meaningful discussions about cultural identity, history, and sustainability.

They will explore key areas of Sicily’s heritage and will learn about its historical landmarks and preservation challenges, and participate in a hands-on workshop on local culinary traditions.

Furthermore, they will discover the unique biodiversity of its natural landscapes, such as the salt pans and the Stagnone reserve, and reflect on cultural awareness and its integration into educational practices.

By the end of the course, participants will be ready to inspire their students with lessons on history, culture, and sustainability, while drawing connections between Sicily and their own cultural contexts.

These competences will empower participants to address the growing need for global awareness in education effectively.

Concept by Roberta Peraino

Learning outcomes

The course will help participants to:

• Develop cultural awareness: gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and societal importance of Trapani, fostering awareness and appreciation of its rich heritage;
• Engage in intercultural exchange: share experiences and perspectives with other participants, enhancing their ability to navigate and promote intercultural dialogue;
• Acquire practical skills: participate in workshops, including wine tasting and cultural analyses, to acquire hands-on knowledge that can be applied in educational or community-building contexts;
• Enhance pedagogical approaches: integrate cultural and historical insights into their teaching practices, enriching their students’ learning experiences;
• Build sustainable connections: strengthen professional networks with other educators, creating opportunities for future collaborations.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Culture as a bridge between past and future: focus on Trapani;
• Sharing experiences among participants.

Day 2 – The historic center of Trapani and its treasures

• Introduction to the historic center of Trapani;
• Exploration of key landmarks: Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Torre di Ligny;
• In-depth discussion on the historical and cultural significance of the Church of Purgatory and the “Misteri” (Mysteries);
• Preservation of local heritage and contemporary conservation challenges.

Day 3 – The culinary tradition of Sicily

• Exploration of Trapani’s culinary traditions: couscous, tuna, and local wines;
• Hands-on workshop: wine tasting paired with traditional local products;
• The story of some emblematic producers representing excellence and resilience in the region;
• Cultural analysis of cuisine as an identity element.

Day 4 – Sicily’s nature and sea

• Excursion to the salt pans of Trapani and the Stagnone Nature Reserve;
• Local biodiversity: focus on the flora and fauna typical of the salt pans;
• Discussion on the balance between tourism development and nature conservation;
• The historical role of salt in the area.

Day 5 – Vision for the future

• Workshop: creating a plan to promote Trapani in a European context;
• Reflection and exchange: parallels with participants’ cities’ cultural richness, challenges, and educational potential.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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