By attending this course, you can explore the historical, cultural, and human characteristics of Hanoi as a dynamic and developing city in Asia. In particular, it provides students with the opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and conduct research based on a theoretical framework and interdisciplinary approach in urban studies in the Southern Hemisphere. The course program is organized in collaboration between two institutions specializing in social sciences and humanities research: the Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and the Faculty of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Cologne, Germany.
Entering the first decades of the new millennium, for the first time in history, the number of people living in urban spaces has grown rapidly compared to rural areas, most of which are concentrated in the Southern Hemisphere (Global South) [1]. Another term for the 21st century in the research community is also known as the "century of Asian cities" with an estimate that by the 2030s more than half of the population of countries in this region will be concentrated in urban areas. Based on this reality, urban research in general and urban anthropology in particular have gradually received more attention in social science research.
The infrastructure characteristics of urban spaces have, to some extent, reflected the socio-economic transformation in the context of global neoliberalism. Simultaneously, within the historical context of Southern Hemisphere countries, shaped by power relations from colonialism to post-colonialism, recent urban studies have unanimously adopted a new perspective on "Southern urban studies" (Patel 2014). This power relationship is also reflected in the theoretical system and new approaches that contrast with the old theoretical system, which included a differentiating approach from the research perspective of urban models in the Northern Hemisphere (Global North). All of this suggests that through studies of cities in the Southern Hemisphere, the imbalance in themes and approaches in urban studies in general will gradually be satisfactorily resolved.
Based on the focus on contemporary urban studies, the Summer Course program, themed "Urban Studies, Space and People of Hanoi," is organized jointly by two institutions specializing in social sciences and humanities research: the Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and the Faculty of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Cologne, Germany. With the participation of lecturers from both universities, the course provides students with the opportunity to explore the historical, cultural, and human characteristics of Hanoi as a dynamic and developing city in Asia. In particular, the course aims to provide students with the chance to learn, exchange, and practice research based on a theoretical framework and interdisciplinary approach in urban studies in the Southern Hemisphere.
► COURSE PROGRAM
- Proposed location: At the campus of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 336 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi City.
- Expected duration: The course will run from September 18, 2023 to September 29, 2023.
- Languages used: English, Vietnamese (in surveys and field research)
► PROPOSED ITINERARY:
+ First week of the course (September 18-23, 2023): Lectures and discussions take place in the mornings (9:00-12:00); Field surveys at various locations within Hanoi are held in the afternoons (2:00-5:00).
+ Second week of the course (September 25-29, 2023): Participants focus on gathering materials and implementing individual or group research projects. The final report will be presented on Friday (September 29, 2023).
► BENEFITS AND COURSE INFORMATION
- Benefits of participating in the course: Students who register for the entire course will receive a certificate of completion for the Summer Course issued by the University of Cologne, Germany. Students who participate in the entire program and achieve good results in their research project will also be considered for a scholarship for an exchange program at the University of Cologne, Germany.
- Course fees: The course organization costs are directly funded by the Faculty of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Cologne, Germany, and the Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Participants are exempt from fees for classes, discussions, and transportation to field survey locations.
► PARTICIPATION CRITERIA
The course opens registration opportunities to both undergraduate and especially graduate students. The organizing committee will have corresponding criteria for each category:
+ For postgraduate students: Maximum of 5-6 students, with good conversational English skills, researching topics related to urban history, anthropological history, and sociology in Vietnam. Commitment to participating in the entire summer course program and ensuring completion of the research project by the end of the course.
+ For students: Maximum of 8-10 students, with good conversational English skills, a passion and interest in topics related to urban history, anthropological history, and sociology in Vietnam. Commitment to attending at least 4 out of 6 lectures based on individual schedules; students are encouraged to actively participate in fieldwork and excursions.
REGISTRATION FORM:
Students/learners wishing to register for the course please send your application to the following email address:
nguyetnm@ussh.edu.vn+ 01 CV containing personal information and research papers,
+ One presentation in English (clearly stating the reasons and aspirations for participating in the program, along with research topics the student is interested in related to the course content)
+ 01 copy of the foreign language certificate (if any)
The email subject line should clearly state: Full Name_Student(or)Graduate_Registration for Course 2023
Application deadline: August 18, 2023
The application results will be announced via email after August 20, 2023.
► FOR ALL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
- Vice President of the Department of History, 3rd Floor, Building B, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi
- 336 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi
- Phone number: 043 5589847; Email:nguyetnm@ussh.edu.vn/ manhnh@ussh.edu.vn
