Culture, Politics & Community

Democracy & Active Citizenship
These days we are all being encouraged to be 'active citizens', but what does this really mean? For some, It's about volunteering - helping at local playgroups, organising jumble sales, for others the emphasis is more on campaigning on specific issues through lobbying councillors and parliament, etc, or does it simply mean turning out to vote when required? This group will explore what being an active citizen means to them and some of the skills needed to help put your learning into action. Each week we will take a look at events in Scotland and in the wider world, as well as keeping an eye on more local developments. We'll identify the links between them and hold them up to democratic scrutiny. Since the Scottish Parliament took on its powers, members of the group have been 'auditing' its work, responding to consultation documents and lobbying on issues relating to democracy. The group also works with bodies like the Scottish Civic Forum, and helps to organise public fora, so that more people begin to realise the very real influence that politics has on their life, and how they in turn can influence policy.
*** Monday evening 7.00-9.00pm

Asians in Auld Reekie
This programme will look at the history of Asian immigration to Edinburgh. We will meet with members of all the major Asian communities and find out what their experience has been. All are welcome to explore the richness of these cultures.
*** Wednesday evening 7.00-9.00pm

The Welcoming
A gathering of Scots, minority ethnic people and refugees to enjoy food, discuss Scots culture and other cultures and customs. Support with written and spoken English is provided. The group includes cultural expressions through storytelling, music and drama. Families welcome. Volunteers needed to help. Full details
*** Wednesday afternoon 1.00-4.00pm. Venue: Methodist Central Hall, 2 West Tollcross

Think Fur Yersel
Scotland has produced a remarkable number of thinkers including Adam Smith and David Hume. They have had a direct effect on our culture, but what did they think about? How can we learn to shape our own thoughts to solve the problems that concern us? The course is an experiment in community philosophy. The aim of the course is for folk to explore everyday philosophical ideas and develop skills in dialogue and critical thinking. The role of the tutor is to create a safe and supportive space for discussion, to guide students in the development of these skills. We will use a method of discussion which we will share with other groups in scotland and connect with them via the Web. The course is co-sponsored by The University of Edinburgh. This is aimed at anyone who likes a good discussion. No special skill required except tolerance.
*** Alternate Thursday evenings 7.00-9.00pm

Welcome to Scotland: Scotland for Newcomers
A 10-week course for anyone who is has newly arrived in Scotland. It will be an introduction which will lead to further study.We will study the geography, social history. political history, customs, and music song and dance. The course will be interactive/multimedia, and will answer the questions you need to know more about, in order to make sense of the people and the place. It will be good to find out the connections between your place and Scotland, which is the oldest Nation State in Europe. Conducted in simple English.
7-9pm Thursday
*** Thursday evening 7.00-9.00pm

Scottish Social History
This course introduces you to ordinary Scots. From Clan Feudalism, Industrialisation and Clearance, to War and Immigration. This sets a foundation for understanding the how and why of our daily lives.
*** Tuesday evening 7.00-9.00pm

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