From colonising thinking to more-than-human beings provides a theoretical background for those interested in Inner Asia, with a focus on Siberia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. This interdisciplinary course combines theories and case studies from archaeology and anthropology. What defines a state? Who is a nomad? How do different people experience landscapes? When is an animal ‘wild’?
The first semester aims to deconstruct the Russian colonial-imperial origins of scholarly knowledge production on and in Inner Asia. The second semester furthers this approach by familiarising the participants with more-than-human perspectives. Discussions are organised in 2-3 thematic sessions focussing on landscape, mobility, nomadism, statehood, personhood, and multi-species relationships.
Practical exercises include online research (e.g., Google Maps, archives); urban participant observation; landscape walks; and museum trips. The participants will gain theoretical and practical tools which will enable them to frame their regional or social studies. Simultaneously, the course introduces major places (ecosystems, sites, states) and people (archaeological cultures; hunting and herding societies) in Inner Asia.
For each semester, students will complete two essays (1-3 pages) OR 1 short essay and a presentation (10 min). The first piece of coursework should elaborate on a theme explored during class (e.g., nomadism); the second should reflect on a practical exercise (e.g., the landscape walk). Students are given 4 points (LP) for the completion of this course.
No prior knowledge is required. Students from all degrees with a general interest in the region, for critical theory and/or social sciences are welcome. Tutorials will be held in English and/or German, depending on the participants’ requirements.
If you are interested, please email me directly at contecec@student.hu-berlin.de until 21.10.2021.
- Course owner: Cecilia Conte