Miniconference Day – From Amnesty to New Forms of Family
On Tuesday 9th April, we gathered in the room 211 to experience the first part of our
miniconference event, whose aim was for our colleagues to present us their presentations on
various topics, chosen by themselves. These presentations are, apart from the exam, the
conclusion of our 4 semester English education. After entering the room, we were welcomed by
the welcome committee, signed the attendance list, got ourselves some refreshment if we wanted
to, and the presentations could begin. The topics were really interesting. First in line was gay’s
right to family - that included an introduction of terminology, history of gay marriage ranging
from Greece to Congo and renaissance, current legislation in Czech Republic and ending with
controversial topic of gay’s right to have children. Second in line was very topical amnesty in
Czech Republic and third, concluding presentation, dealt with surrogate motherhood, topic really
close, but not necessarily, to gay’s right to family, but definitely controversial and widely
discussed topic.
Also the audience was pleased with the presentation. As Ms Jandorová said, the presentations had
been really good, interesting, and she is looking forward to the next miniconference day. And
how were the presenting groups satisfied with their own presentations? The first group liked their
presentation a lot and they regret having so little time to finish it. Also, the second group agreed
that it was very difficult to control the timing of the presentation. Sometimes they had even slight
problem to get along during the creation of the presentation, but everything went perfectly well at
the end. Even the lentils at lunch didn’t matter at all. And the third group was really happy about
the audience, which was working hard on the final crossword and appreciated their beautiful
home-made pictures.
To sum up, the first part of the miniconference event was quite amusing and enlightening. New
facts about current topics were introduced, what made all of us think a little bit deeper about
these, and that is probably the biggest contribution of the miniconference for us.