led by Professor Nicholas Jenkins, University of the West of Scotland
Could you analyse a play by only observing half of the cast? It seems impossible – yet this is exactly what happens when we undertake social research and ignore the roles animals play in our social world. In this short session, we will critically explore how incorporating ‘more-than-human’ viewpoints and experiences into social research can yield richer accounts of social life and open up new possibilities for addressing contemporary social challenges. We will experiment with multi-species research techniques through hands-on exercises, interactive discussions, and real-world observations—some of which may take place outdoors (so bring suitable clothing and footwear). No prior knowledge is required, but familiarity with ethnography and symbolic interactionism may be helpful. By the end of the session, you will have conceptual and practical tools you can use to bring multi-species perspectives into your own research—whether that means rethinking your fieldwork, expanding your theoretical framework, or challenging human-centric assumptions in your discipline.
This session is suitable for anyone with an interest in the topic, but students with backgrounds in social anthropology and sociology may find it particularly relevant, as would students ‘crossing over’ from the natural sciences (e.g. veterinary and zoological sciences).
There will be some introductory readings shared in advance to help prepare students, and there may be a pre-course practical activity.