The lecture “Geological history and geographic overview of the AzovBlack sea region” is focused on the hypothesis of the so-called “The Black sea
deluge” (W.B. Ryan and W.C. Pitman) which can be a key to solution of a number
of regional puzzles ranging from the natural (the availability of the deep
sulphurous layer in the Black sea) to the social and cultural ( the myth of Dardan
deluge, the origin of Indian European race).
The lecture “The live nature of the Azov-Black sea region» will provide an
overview of flora and fauna of the Black Sea greater area and will assess the
biodiversity of the region. The attention will be paid to analyzing impact of human
activities on the Black sea regional ecosystem ( violation of natural food chains,
distribution of alien biological organisms which damage the balance of the local
ecosystem.
The lecture “Mathematical modeling of the Azov-Black Sea regional
ecosystem” is aimed at demonstrating the benefits of using mathematical methods
for studying and making prognosis of ecosystems development. (the sample is
imitation model of Azov sea basin).
Debate «Ecology: is this a human problem or a nature problem?» The aim is to
sum up what has been learnt in previous days and to raise awareness of environmental
protection as a personal responsibility of each human being.
The lecture “Economic development of the Azov-Black sea region” is
aimed at analyzing economic potential of the Black sea region (natural resources,
population, agriculture and industry), strategies of economic development, regional
cooperation and economic contradictions from the point of view of various factors
ranging from natural science( renewable and non-renewable resources) and social
and cultural aspects ( the role of historic memory and ethnic stereotypes in shaping
strategies of economic development).
The lecture “The political map of the Azov-Black sea region” will provide
a political evaluation of Black sea states and the interrelationship both within the
region and with neighboring blocs.
Lecture «Are people the same everywhere? The Azov-Black sea region from the social
psychological point of view” is focused on inter-dependence of biological and social
factors in shaping way of living and behavioral stereotypes. The content is built
around the key notions of modern social psychology: if there is a stable correlation
between genetically stipulated social and cultural characteristics of human beings;
if the natural factors (climate, chemical soil composition, nutrition ration)
influence the formation of a psychological type, if the “national character” is a
correct scientific notion?
Debate «What is needed for establishing peace and prosperity in the region? The
aim is to sum up the previous learning outcomes and to raise awareness of the
contemporary regional problems and their solutions.
Lecture «The Black sea region in historical retrospective” will be focused
on demonstrating the main stages of the regional history: the nomadic world of
ancient Black sea greater area, the Greek colonization, the great migration, the
historic trace of middle age states – the Byzantium, Khazariya, the Golden Orda,
Georgia, Venetia, Genoa, cultural impact and political contradictions in the region
in Modern and Contemporary History).
Lecture « Pontus” mosaic of languages, dialects and sub-dialects in the region”
reflects mosaics of the regional linguistic map. Students will learn how geographic and
historic factors formed the language map in the region: on the one hand the mountainous
territory, that is natural barriers for communication between local communities, on the other
hand – migration, invasions, cultural and political dominance of different countries and
civilizations .
Lecture «Each village has its own people”. The aim is to show how natural and
social factors determined the formation and evolution of ethnic groups in the
region: an initial high level of segmentation could be strengthened (segmentation
by religion or migration) or smoothened (small groups are merged by the larger
groups, impact of urbanization).