Course Content

This three-day intensive course serves as an introduction to theories and research methods in the interdisciplinary field of environmental humanities. In the Anthropocene, it becomes increasingly clear that environmental issues cannot be understood from the perspective of a single discipline. This research-oriented course is aimed at graduates from the humanities and social sciences who work on environmental topics and wish to expand their repertoire of theories, research skills, and creative methods. You will get hands-on experience from lecturers with different disciplinary backgrounds: from literary studies, philosophy, anthropology, history, media studies, history, and others. The course will lay special emphasis on creative and unconventional research methods and modes of representations, such as the use of film, photography, sound recordings, art installations, or exhibitions. We will pay particular attention to the mechanisms by which individual disciplines come together into the larger whole of environmental humanities. The course is organized by the Oslo School of Environmental Humanities (OSEH) as part of the Norwegian Researcher School in Environmental Humanities (NoRS-EH).

Learning outcome

The aim of the course is to open up the dynamic field of environmental humanities research for upcoming environmental researchers. It should inspire you to look beyond the boundaries of your discipline, without losing disciplinary depth. It is aimed at candidates interested in experimental theories and methods in environmental research. We will design the course as a combination of lectures, exercises, student presentations and group discussions. We do not assume that participants are specialists in the area, but that their PhD topic includes an environmental focus. The course will provide opportunities for international and interdisciplinary network building. 

Teaching

The course will run over three days:

  • Day One, Wed, 30 Oct.: Lectures on theories and methods in the environmental humanities given by international scholars and partner institutions of NoRS-EH.
  • Day Two, 31 Oct.: Doctoral candidates will present their work and comment on their pre-circulated papers.
  • Day Three, 1 Nov.: Participation in the conference “Nordic Environments” to mark the official opening of the Oslo School of Environmental Humanities at SALT, Oslo harbour. The conference will bring together Norwegian and international environmental humanities scholars, and partners from non-academic sectors, such as artists, environmental activists and NGOs.

Examination

The exam consists of participation in all three days of the course, preparatory readings, handing in a works-in-progress paper or research proposal in advance, and giving comments to another candidate.

Admission

Participants must be admitted to a PhD programme to enrol this course. Priority is given to applicants who are NoRS-EH members (see the NoRS-EH website for details). NoRS-EH members will have their travel and accommodation costs covered. You can attend this course either at the beginning of your research or at a later writing-up stage. Other candidates such as early-stage Postdoc researchers and specialized final stage Master students can be accepted. Please contact Ingar Stene with any practical questions regarding admission.

How to apply

Applicants must use the online application form.

Please note that you will be asked to upload:

  • A short motivation letter and description of your research project (max 1 page)
  • Proof of enrollment in a PhD programme/Master programme.

Deadline for application: 1 October 2019. 

ECTS points: 3