Many doctoral projects in arts and humanities engage, implicitly or explicitly, in a comparison of patterns and practices, principles and policies of different countries and cultures. For those who came to Scotland from abroad to work on a PhD, contrasting the way of life in their home country with Scotland or the UK is unavoidable. But comparison is not just a matter of personal experience; rather a key aspect of their research. To be sure, the use of comparative methods is even broader than a recognition of differences and a search for common patterns. Indeed, there are complex tensions between genetic (or historical) versus functionalist (or contextual) explanations for common patterns, and between both and attempts to explain (away) dissimilarities. Furthermore, the comparative subfields of philology, linguistics, anthropology and folklore studies, literature, history, and law have disciplinary characteristics. These can be interestingly juxtaposed in terms of their objects and methods of comparison, as well as contrasted with comparison in other fields, like comparative anatomy. What are the benefits and pitfalls of comparison in the respective disciplines? Is the uniqueness of cultural artefacts, national cultures, and historical events inimical to or fertile ground for comparison? And what can various disciplines learn from each other in the use comparative methods? This half-day workshop combines a seminar-like presentation by Prof David Nelken from Kings College London, a specialist in comparative law, sociology of law and criminology), a participatory exchange of experience among student participants and hands-on advice on comparative aspects of the participants' doctoral projects.
To ensure the workshop is effective, participants are required to prepare a 250-word summary of comparative aspects of their project ahead of the event.
The event is held on campus at the University of Aberdeen. Attendance is free. Participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements. For organisational purposes, registration is mandatory. When you register, please use your institutional email address. The in-person workshop event is capped at 16 attendees. Priority will be given to SGSAH students.
Programme: 12.30-13.30: Networking lunch
13.30-13.40: Instructions and explanation of the workshop activities
13.40-14.10: Talk on comparative method(s), Prof David Nelken, KCL Dickson Poon School of law (hybrid)
14.15-14.45: Participant elevator pitches
14.45-15.15: Coffee Break
15.15-15.45: Discussion on common themes and challenges
15.45-16.00: Debriefing session and conclusion
Note: Professor Nelken will also give a research seminar in the morning, starting at 10:30 on 'Platform Governance and Wikilegality’. Participants are welcome to attend.
- Speaker
- Professor David Nelken
- Hosted by
- School of Law
- Venue
- TBC
- Contact
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Attendance is free. For organisational purposes, registration is mandatory. When you register, please use your institutional email address. The in-person workshop event is capped at 16 attendees. Priority will be given to SGSAH students.
- Booking
- Online booking available
