Adventures in Multi-Species Ethnography 2024

Across the humanities, the "species turn" has led to a flourishing of interest into the myriad of ways in which diverse forms of life create worlds and shape social and political life. Scholars are emphasising ways of thinking and living that recognise our interdependence with countless nonhuman agencies (Haraway, 2008; Tsing, 2015; Van Dooren et al, 2016). They are finding ways to bring the liveliness, and even the subjective experiences of nonhuman animals into research and writing (Hamilton and Taylor, 2017; Cudworth, 2018).

However, the increasing prevalence of terms such as “multi-species ethnography” or “human-animal ethnography” has not been matched by a growth in practical methodologies. How can we be more sensitive, imaginative, critical and ethical researchers of the more-than-human?

Back after a successful pilot in 2022, this is a FREE three-day workshop, whose aim is to further develop methodologies in this exciting new area of research. It is an invitation for scholars of any level of experience to explore the possibilities and challenges of this work in a slow, uncertain, and embodied way. Throughout we will document our process, and exchange thoughts and ideas about the possibilities and challenges of more more-than-human research.

Each day will comprise of both indoor work in the seminar room and outdoor work in the city of Manchester's green spaces. Themes will include: collaborating with scientists, sensory ethnography, and disrupting normative assumptions through visual methods. Fieldwork will include work on the banks of a river, in a local park, and a city farm.

Come and be part of shaping the future of this methodology, and enjoy discovering what is possible.

Facilitated by Dr Maisie Tomlinson: https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/maisie-tomlinson

Feedback from Adventures in Multi-Species Ethnography 2022 (London):

"It was inspiring and uplifting to gather together with academics seeking to learn more about the growing field of multispecies ethnography, to learn from each other and help each other with conceptual and practical problems. The thematic layout of the workshop - following collaboration with experts, sensory methods, and visual methodologies - was excellent and gave everyone something concrete to work with and think about. As the days went on, we were able to bring together these practices with our combined wider conceptual and moral understandings of why multispecies ethnography is so important". (Anonymous feedback)

"The actual content was enlightening, fascinating, and really well put together. It's often been the case that I've felt I've had to split my thinking self and my feeling, sensing self in academia, but this workshop has taught me to trust my gut (and my index finger and my peripheral vision and my hearing...). In doing so I've found not only a much richer sense of approaching and doing academic work, but a new confidence in myself as someone within academia with these particular interests". (Anonymous feedback)

Photographs from 2022 available at: https://www.unknowinganimals.com/adventures

PLEASE NOTE:

The workshop is free, but a deposit of £30 is required which will be refunded if all three days are attended. It will also be refunded if you cancel your place 5 days or more in advance. If you would like to attend but know in advance that you cannot attend for three days, please get in touch to let me know.

Lunch will be provided.

This workshop is suitable for scholars in any discipline, at any stage, from students to professors. A suggested reading list and further details will be provided nearer the time.

Outdoor work will continue whatever the weather, so please dress appropriately!

Outdoor explorations will take place on uneven terrain, which may be made slippery by wet weather. The workshop can be adapted for attendees with mobility impairments, but advance notice of any additional needs would be much appreciated. Outdoor work will take place in a radius of 45 minutes from the University of Manchester, and be reached by public transport.

Any questions please email maisie.tomlinson@manchester.ac.uk.