Urbanism, Space and People in Hanoi - Summer School 2023 in Vietnam with Field Research Practice

The 21st century is also referred to as the “Asian urban century”. By 2030, more than half of Asia's population will live in cities. Already since the turn of the millennium, for the first time, more people worldwide live in cities than in rural areas, most of them in cities of the Global South. For this reason, urban research in general and urban ethnology in particular have received increased attention in social sciences and humanities in recent years. In particular, urbanization processes in the Global South are increasingly the focus of interest.

The material and social infrastructures of these urban spaces reflect the economic and social changes initiated in particular by the global neoliberal developments of the last decades. At the same time, cities in the Global South are shaped by the power relations of colonialism and post-colonialism. Against this backdrop, urban studies have increasingly called for a "Southern perspective on urban studies" (Patel 2014), as these power relations are also reflected in theorizing at the epistemological level. Theories in urban research continue to show a bias toward northern cities. It is necessary to address this imbalance through research in cities of the Global South together with scholars of the Global South.

Together with the Department for Urban History of the University for Social Sciences and Humanities of the Vietnam National University in Hanoi (USSH-VNU) we would like to explore Hanoi as an example of a dynamic, fast-growing Asian city. This cooperation will give participants the chance to critically engage with urban studies in the Global South in an interdisciplinary setting.

During summer term 2023 the field research practice started with a practical exercise (Praktische Übung). The course offered a basic understanding of Vietnamese history and society as a background for engaging in research in Vietnam. The participating students have learned how to prepare field work in regards to a research plan and administrative procedures. Throughout the course topics such as intercultural communication, critically reflecting power-relations and dealing with emotional challenges during field work have been addressed.

From 16.9. to 1.10.2023 the summer school will take place in Hanoi.  Students had the chance to explore the city together with students from USSH-VNU and implement their research plans.

During winter term 2023/24, the module will continue with a practical exercise as follow-up to the Summer School in Hanoi and conclude with a module examination in form of a written report.

Please keep in mind that participation in this field research practice offers the chance not only to play a part in an exciting exchange between researchers but also make use of ethnographic methods, collect ethnographic data, and prepare for your master thesis.

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