240507 SE MM2 Multispecies care: Researching more-than-human care schemes in Berlin (2024W)

With the growing environmental crisis, multispecies care relations have gained increased attention both from policy makers, service providers and citizens. A consideration of human well being in relation to the well-being of other species is also gaining traction in care and welfare provision by the states and civil society actors. Moreover, nature is increasingly incorporated into childcare, education and healthcare, via trainings, urban greening schemes, awareness raising projects and urban gardening. This field course aims to provide students with the opportunity to conduct short-term fieldwork about the schemes that address institutional care provision to human beings together with animals and plants in Berlin. During the preparation phase participating students will be provided with examples from different fields (refugee reception, elderly care, childcare, prisons, migrant integration, and others) and will be encouraged to formulate their own interests and to choose the respective care settings. The methods they will employ during their fieldwork will be discussed both in the group and individually with the teachers. Receiving theoretical and methodological input throughout, students will gain experience in ethnographic urban research, and conduct their own fieldwork.

IMPORTANT: This course can only be attended in combination with the methods course of the same title. They take place in joint sessions. The research takes place 24.11.–15.12.2024. Travel costs of students will be refunded by approx. 40% from the department. Please be aware that Berlin is an expensive city and we expect you to share prearranged rooms with 2 or 3 beds.

By September 25 submit via email a brief research idea, information about your research experience and special requirements (e.g. food, gender, impairments etc.), which we will try to accommodate!