How should we theorize the ‘margins’? What skills do we need to do this effectively and sensitively? We invite interested eligible research students to register to join this 3-day intensive training event where students will collaboratively develop the skills and imagination necessary for abstraction.
This event proceeds from the assumption that theorization is itself a practical skill that needs to be taught rather than assumed. It will be organized around a mix of invited seminars, peer to peer reflections, individual and group exercises and periods of focused writing. It aims to provide students with practical skillsets useful to addressing two issues relevant to doing research in Area Studies and International Development:
First, the event will offer training in abstract theorization. It will include practical mind building exercises to support students’ ability to think theoretically and apply those to the development of ideas for their research. The sessions will deploy innovative tools like snap exercises, games and group debates to encourage students to find new conceptual entry points to their research.
Second, the event will provide reflective and reflexive seminars on how to center the so-called margins in the development of methods and theories used in LBAS/ID and in the Social Sciences more generally. In this, the focus will be on encouraging students to take a decolonial approach to their research, working backwards from their research questions to tease out what alternative entry points are possible and how these might shift and improve ideas.
Holding at the stunning estate, The Burn, which is situated on the banks of the North Esk river, and at an entry to one of Scotland’s most spectacular glens, this event is designed as an enjoyable and intellectually rewarding retreat for research students and we look forward to welcoming you all.
Accommodation, transportation, and food will be provided. This event is open to students from LBAS-ID Pathway at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow; Doctoral Students in other pathways who may be studying societies in the Global South; Masters Students in the Social Sciences and Humanities studying societies in the Global South.
Registration would be first come first served. Participants will be invited to join a bus at Edinburgh to journey together to the venue.