Prof. Dr. Holger Jahnke in France (Université de Perpignan Via Domitia)

Prof. Dr. Holger Jahnke (Department of Human Geography and Geographic Education) conducted a Blended Intensive Program (BIP) at the Université Perpignan Via Domitia in France.

Motivation

Der Eingangsbereich eines Gebäudes mit großer Glasfassade. Vor dem Gebäude führen Treppen und Rampen zum Eingang, links und rechts stehen Bäume.

For many years, there have been collaborative relationships with the Department of Geography at the Université de Perpignan Via Domitia—in particular with Prof. David Giband’s research group—in the field of educational geography. In addition to the academic affinity, the university’s geographical location near the border also played an important role in the selection process, as there are numerous structural similarities between the two institutions. The surrounding landscape of the “Pyrénées-Orientales,” with its long-established agricultural structures, is particularly affected by climate change and is therefore, in a sense, a “laboratory for the future.”

Preparation

Despite the long distance, I decided to travel there and back by train, which was made easier by the overnight train between Paris and Perpignan. It also gave me the opportunity to prepare specific locations for an upcoming student field trip on urban transformation processes in Paris.

Stay

Drei Personen stehen auf einem Campus vor einer Konstruktion mit mehreren Solarmodulen. Im Hintergrund befinden sich Universitätsgebäude und weitere Personen.

In addition to my courses in the fields of educational geography, current developments in human geography, and geography education in Germany, the focus of my visit was on planning joint projects. This allowed us to finalize plans for a joint BIP on “Geography (of) Education” and to develop initial ideas for joint research projects with both a Franco-German and a European perspective. In addition, discussions focused on current developments in the respective higher education and school systems, particularly with regard to current privatization trends in France.

Conclusion

Ein großer Nadelbaum liegt entwurzelt auf einer Grünfläche neben einer beschädigten Bordsteinkante. Im Hintergrund sind weitere Bäume und Gebäude zu sehen.

In conclusion, I would like to thank my colleagues at the UPVD for their warm hospitality and the lively and wide-ranging discussions on academic developments—particularly in the field of educational geography—current trends in higher education policy, and the in-depth insights into how they are actively addressing the massive challenges of climate change: ranging from progressive bicycle and public transit policies, to well-developed consumer protection, to agricultural transformation in times of drought and aridity, as well as restrictive policies on land sealing. This information will certainly be incorporated into my courses on the geographies of Europe.