Innes Vienna
http://www.innesvienna.net/
Plants and People - Contemporary ethnobotanical
research and application
Lecturers:
Heidemarie Pirker
Elisabeth Kuhn
Description
Ethnobotany is the study of human-plant relationships. It is a multi-disciplinary scientific
field requiring both anthropological and botanical skills. An ethnobotanist examines
people’s culture, beliefs, language, knowledge of plants and observes, describes, analyses
and explains the interactions and relationships between people and plants. Ethnobotany
covers the harvest and use of cultivated and wild plants for food, medicine, dyes, fibres,
craft, customs and rituals.
The scientific skills and knowledge taught in this course (theories, concepts, methods, etc.)
are applicable to research in any region of the world. In this course we will mainly discuss
case studies and selected scientific literature on ethnobotanical research in Europe. During
field trips you will explore the local knowledge of plants and their uses in Austria.
In the first week you will become acquainted with the definition of terms, concepts and
theories related to ethnobotany. You will receive both botanical and anthropological
training in order to learn how to conduct interdisciplinary ethnobotanical research.
Furthermore, you will understand the relevance of ethnobotany for the sustainable
management of natural plant resources, get to know different ethnobotanical domains
based on various case studies (plants in the context of migration, the use of wild plants
and the relevance of belief systems for the management of natural resources, etc.).
Additionally, you will get to know the most influential journals, scientific working groups
and websites dealing with ethnobotany. The lectures will include many practical exercises,
videos, interactive methods and group discussions.
In the second week during field visits and excursions you will explore applied knowledge of
plants. You will also get additional methodological input and be able to test the methods
learned. Based on current ethnobotanical research you will actively discuss ethnobotanical
topics with your colleagues. You will gain experience in team work, improve your ability to
analyse and interpret scientific case studies and develop your discussion and presentation
skills. During the excursions you will gain knowledge of plants gathered in the wild, explore
how they are used and how they taste. You will also explore how gardens in the city
influence human relationships.
Further description of the field visits in Vienna (Preliminary program)
• Herbarium at the University of Vienna – The herbarium curator will discuss the plant
collection and teach you what to consider when taking voucher specimens.
• Botanical Garden at the University of Vienna – The guided tour in the botanical garden
includes information about medicinal and poisonous plants.
• Henzls Ernte – On a guided tour, herbal expert Gertrude Henzl will pass on her
knowledge of wild edible plants. Together we will collect wild plants in an urban
environment. Afterwards, back in her shop, Ms Henzl will introduce you to various
preservation methods. During a cooking session she will demonstrate the use and
preparation of the gathered plants. Later on, we will share the plant based multicourse
dinner in Gertrude’s homely shop.
• Gartenpolylog Association – An expert of the Austrian community garden network guides
you through various neighbourhood and intercultural community gardens in the city of
Vienna. The biocultural diversity of these plants and the social components of the gardens
will be some of the discussed topics.
Schedule
Preliminary Schedule
First week: Theoretical concepts of ethnobotany
Day 1: (09:00-12:00) Lecture
• Terms and concepts of ethnobotany
• Introduction to the history of ethnobotany
• Overview of ethnosciences
• Relevant ethnobotanical domains
• Applied interview technique
Day 2: (09:00-12:00) Lecture
• Botanical categorization and classification
• Plant nomenclature and taxonomy
• Folk classification versus scientific classification
• Collecting ethnobotanical data
• Sampling of plant material
• Voucher specimens
• Plant identification
• Citation rules, the use of scientific literature, scientific peer-reviewed journals and
institutions in ethnobotanical research
Day 3: (09:00-12:00) Excursion (confirmed)
• Guided tour in the botanical garden of the University of Vienna
• Visit of the herbarium of the University of Vienna
Day 4: (09:00-12:00) Lecture
• Introduction to anthropology
• Example of an ethnobotanical study with a link to development cooperation
• Spice task with selected plants and tasting forum
• Travelling plants
Day 5: (09:00-12:00) Lecture
• Methods input: participant observation
• Ethnobotany and migration – an example of a research project
Second Week: Human-plant relationships in practice, research methodology
Day 6: (09:00-19:00) Practising participant observation in the field (confirmed)
• Herbal excursion and cooking event with expert Gertrude Henzl at Henzls Ernte (3 hours
collecting herbs, 3 hours cooking plus dinner). Yummy!!!
Day 7: (09:00-12:00) Lecture
• Discussing participant observation based on the herbal excursion
• Students discussion and presentation of scientific articles about wild plants
• Methods input: Social network analysis in ethnobotanical research
Day 8 (09:00-12:00) Excursion (confirmed)
Guided excursion to community and neighbourhood gardens in Vienna (09:30-11:30)
Day 9: (09:00-12:00) Lecture
• Guest speech: The Austrian UNESCO Commission talks about intangible cultural heritage
• Student discussions and presentation of scientific articles regarding community and
neighbourhood gardens
Day 10: (09:00-13:00) Lecture
• Guest speech: DI Hannah Grossauer presents her study on wild plants and urban
foragers in Vienna
• Input on ethnobotanical research with children
• Closing event: Reflection of the course
Details
Location
Vienna (Austria)
Tuition fee
EUR 750 (Student), EUR 1200 (Professional)
Start-End
03.07.2017. - 14.07.2017.
Recommended Credits
8
Target group
Students interested in botany, anthropology, agriculture,
sociology
Level
Undergraduate, Graduate, Postgraduate, Professional
Duration
2 weeks
Kind of exams
ProjectWork, Oral
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