Ethnography and Environmental Justice: An Introduction - Detailseite

This seminar introduces students to major theoretical trends and methodological approaches in ethnography, especially when addressing questions about justice from an environmental perspective. It provides a historical overview of ethnographic studies and their intersection with human geography, environmental humanities, science and technology studies (STS), feminist and gender studies, decolonial approaches, and multispecies perspectives. By considering ethnographic research dealing with cases of socioenvironmental catastrophes, planetary crises, pollution, and exposure to environmental degradation, the seminar aims to delve into discussions regarding environmental change, inequality, materiality, and the relationships between humans and ecosystems.

The seminar is both theoretical and practice-oriented. A fundamental part of the seminar will be the elaboration of group activities for ethnographic research design and the implementation of research tools. Furthermore, the seminar will include two fieldwork sessions (one during a regular session and one on Saturday, 22 June) around a concrete case study related to the notion of environmental justice in Berlin. It will also require weekly mandatory readings, active participation during our weekly sessions (4SWS), oral presentations, and a final written assignment.

This course is oriented toward master students in urban geography. Students from other disciplines and backgrounds with an interest in qualitative methods are also very welcome to join. The course is designed for international postgraduate students to participate if their home university agrees. Regular degree-seeking students can select the course within the elective part of their study program (überfachlicher Wahlpflichtbereich / üWP). The seminar will be conducted in English. In the case of international students, some knowledge of German is desirable for conducting fieldwork. Basic ethnographic research skills are an asset but not a requirement.

Please note: The introductory session of this seminar on Tuesday, 16 April will be held online. The second session in April (23.04) will be replaced by one of the fieldwork excursions to take place the whole day on Saturday, 22 June. Thus, in-person sessions will take place weekly from 30 April onwards. It is expected that students can take part in the fieldwork to be held on the Saturday of June.

Weekly reading, active participation in the seminar and an oral presentation are expected. 

Examination will be through a submitted final essay about the contents of the seminar and/or research design and fieldwork exercises.

MAP-Möglichkeiten für die Gender Studies: PO in M6 + M8

Master students in Urban Geography adn Gender Studies, as well as any other students with an interest in using ethnography as part of their research methods.