All students of the BUA partners Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin can participate in X-Student Research Groups. Please note the information on how to register for an X-Student Research Group.

Recognition of credits:

Students of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin can have X-Student Research Groups recognized in the interdisciplinary compulsory elective area (üWP) / in the free elective area or in the compulsory elective area. General information on the recognition of X-Student Research Groups can be found at: Recognition of participation in an X-Student Research Group.

Bachelor's students at Freie Universität Berlin can have X-Student Research Groups recognized in the ABV skills area “Research Practices" ("Forschungsorientierung"). Recognition outside the ABV area must be clarified individually with the responsible examination board. You can find more information at: Recognition of competencies acquired in BUA courses at Freie Universität Berlin.

• Module description for X-Student Research Groups (German)
• Further information on StuROP^x on the website of the Berlin University Alliance

Amid the growing challenges of ecological devastation, states, international organizations, and corporations promote “green” initiatives and policies as pathways to a sustainable future. Emission offsets, solar energy, and electric vehicles are presented as a departure from the harmful economic practices that have led us to the current state. However, these technologies often rely on distant natures to supply raw materials and labor. This research group focuses on studying the role of these 'green' narratives in shaping perceptions of socio-ecological violence and exploring ways to employ social science research to challenge them.

Our analysis will concentrate on the Proyecto Mocoa copper mining project in the Colombian Amazon. By the end of the semester, we will create a multi-layered counter-map of this project to assist affected communities in future legal actions. This seminar provides students with the opportunity to investigate how “green” futures are constructed and contested on a transnational scale and to foster academia as a space for mobilization. It is open to Master’s students from diverse fields — Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Geography, Design, Art, History — interested in qualitative research and environmental issues. No specific prior knowledge is required; however, participants should be eager to engage in collaborative research to support socio-ecological causes. Advanced BA students can also participate by prior arrangement.

Institutional affiliation: Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften, Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft

Contact: a.sanchez.alfonso@fu-berlin.de