This year, the THWS Faculty of Design (Dr Beatrice Barrois) and the University of Würzburg Chair of European Ethnology and Empirical Cultural Studies (Prof. Dr Michaela Fenske) are once again offering an autumn workshop. Both bachelor’s and master’s students are welcome to attend. The workshop focuses on our relationship with plants in the context of plant studies. Participants will receive a certificate that looks good on their CV as proof of their commitment to environmental protection.

The interdependence between humans and plants that has developed over thousands of years is being dissolved in the Anthropocene. This includes connections to wild plants in fields and on field margins or in meadows. Plants such as poppies and cornflowers settle in locations that are shaped or influenced by humans (fields, roadsides, flower beds, wasteland). In this way, they live close to humans and are part of their immediate environment. Human knowledge about them was also extensive, including the qualities of plants as medicinal plants for humans and animals. People also knew what plants signified. The flourishing of the delicate hunger flower was seen as a harbinger of poor harvests and hungry stomachs, as this plant thrives in particular on nutrient-poor, dry soils.

The rationalisation and mechanisation of agriculture has been associated with rapid and profound changes, particularly since the 1970s. With regard to wild herbs in fields and meadows, this has meant a significant reduction in species, knowledge about them and the habitats associated with them.

The autumn workshop in the ‘Anthropocene Narratives’ series focuses on these intertwined stories. Using selected examples, we ask what is lost with certain plants. In exchange with other scientists, such as the renowned botanist Prof. Dr. Markus Riederer, we learn about biological and cultural knowledge in the context of popular tradition. Theoretically, the course is situated in the context of plant studies. The aim is to develop and shape new narratives in the Anthropocene.

7. November 10.00-16.00 Uhr
8. November 10.00-13.00 Uhr
5. Dezember 10.00-16.00 Uhr
16. Januar 10.00-13.00 Uhr

Participation limited to 16 people.

Location: Room 4 U6, Chair of European Ethnology and Empirical Cultural Studies, Hubland Süd

Please register by emailing: beatrice.barrois@thws.de