7th Summer School

From July 8 to 26, 2024, the 7th Academic Summer School (ASSP) of the Institute of European Sport Development and Leisure Studies at the German Sport University Cologne was successfully held.

A total of 32 students and early career researchers from six Chinese partner universities participated: Beijing Sport University, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Wuhan Sport University, Wuhan Business University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Hunan Normal University. The group comprised bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students with diverse academic backgrounds in both the social sciences and sport sciences.

Over the course of 19 days, participants followed a structured curriculum of six modules: Foundations of Social Science Research, European Sports Systems and Good Governance, Olympic Studies, Sport Media, Sport and Education in Germany, and Mega Sporting Events in Europe. Each module combined lectures, seminars, and tutorials. The didactic concept was designed to systematically connect theoretical knowledge with practice-oriented learning while encouraging critical reflection.

To complement the modules, sport-practical activities were conducted, including Taiji, team sports, bouldering, and mini golf. These sessions were not leisure-oriented but were designed as methodical applications of theoretical concepts and to strengthen teamwork and pedagogical skills.

Another integral part of the program were academically prepared and scientifically supervised excursions, which provided participants with insights into European sport culture, political institutions, and urban development processes. Closely linked to the modules, these excursions helped contextualize and deepen the knowledge gained in class.

All participants were required to attend lectures, tutorials, activities, and excursions on a regular basis. At the end of the program, a written examination was held. The Institute of European Sport Development and Leisure Studies issued a certificate of participation documenting the academic content covered, the workload, and the achievements.

Accommodation on the GSU campus, catering, and the provision of public transportation ensured reliable conditions that enabled continuous and uninterrupted participation in the academic program.

Conclusion

The Academic Summer School 2024 was a well-structured and didactically grounded educational program. By combining modules, tutorials, sport-practical activities, and academically supervised excursions, it offered an integrated learning experience that provided not only subject-specific knowledge but also intercultural competence.