Training courses

We offer training courses to public and private organisations, companies, and schools.

Learning to notice connections

The aim of our courses is to develop critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, and ways of expression through the understanding of semiosis (meaning-making). The courses will develop a skillset conducive to noticing connections between culture and nature, between human and non-human species.

Semiotics

In our courses we will follow and use semiotic methods that focus on studying sign-processes and meaning-making. We will look at cultural, social, and natural phenomena as processes and analyse the relationships holding between them. In undertaking such analyses, we will follow the principle that nothing is completely static, unchangeable, or detached from its environment.

Sample training courses

Sample training courses will give an insight into the themes and subjects for which we offer courses. Every course is designed according to the target group and their particular interests.

Introduction to the semiotics of nature

The course is aimed at teachers of general schools and supervisors of hobby schools. The course teaches to notice and observe the surrounding natural environment from the perspective of other species (instead of the usual human perspective).

Introduction. Ecosemiotics and semioses of nature. The research methods of ecosemiotics.
Overview of a case study. "Self and the Other“ in the City: The example of cottonwood and English oak in Tartu.
Group work: Case study in the city park using the concept of Umwelt.
Questions, summary.
Duration of the course: 3 academic hours
Instructors: Timo Maran (Professor of Ecosemiotics and Environmental Humanities), Riin Magnus (Research Fellow in Semiotics), Nelly Mäekivi (Research Fellow in Semiotics) ökosemiootika ja keskkonnahumanitaaria professor Timo Maran, semiootika teadur Riin Magnus, semiootika teadur Nelly Mäekivi

Semiotic representations of degrowth movement

The course introduces the degrowth movement, provides an overview of the economic, social and semiotic aspects of the climate crisis and introduces the role of culture in the transition to degrowth. The training offers specific cultural tools that help to adapt to the climate crisis and find positive aspects in this adaptation.

Duration of the course: three academic hours (lecture+seminar)
Instructor: Timo Maran (Professor of Ecosemiotics and Environmental Humanities)

Cybersecurity and information-influence activities and strategies võimalikud strateegiad

Introduction. Information-influence activities and strategies.
Identification of information-influence activities and strategies: identification of disinformation, identification of fake accounts, spotting conspiracy theories, propaganda.
Questions, summary.
Instructor: Andreas Ventsel (Associate Professor of Semiotics).

Education on Screen – digital learning platform for Estonian schools

Training course aimed at general school teachers. The course gives practical instructions on how to use the digital learning platform Education on Screen in schools, and how to tie it in with the national curriculum.

Koolitus toimub eesti ja vene keeles.
Tutvu “Haridus Ekraanil” õpiplatvormiga
Instructors: Maarja Ojamaa (Associate Professor of Semiotics), Aleksandr Fadeev (Research Fellow in Semiotics).

Introduction to Marketing Semiotics

Products and services aren't necessarily consumed for the practical aspect, but also for the cultural meanings they represent. However, everyone interprets the meanings based on their knowledge, experience, cultural background, values ​​​​and habits. During the training, you learn to notice, direct and manage the meanings of commercial messages.

Introduction
Theoretical part: sign, model, story and culture
Practical part, team-work: the budget of the sign – directing the meaning of your project
Questions, summary.
Duration of the course: two to three hours
Instructor: Sven Andersson (PhD candidate of Marketing Semiotics)
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