Prof Carolyn Ellis hosted by UJ: workshops and the Second Johannesburg Seminar on Qualitative Research methods

The Centre for Work Performance at the Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management at the University of Johannesburg will proudly host Professor Carolyn Ellis, who is a distinguished university professor at the Department of Communication of the South Florida University, from 29 September to 1 October 2014. She will present two training workshops on alternative days, and will be the key-note speaker at the Second Annual Johannesburg Seminar on Qualitative Research Methods.  

The first workshop will take place on Monday, 29 September, and is intended for master’s and doctoral students. The second one, presented on the following day, is earmarked for lecturers and supervisors.

The seminar, a day-long event, takes place on Wednesday, 1 October 2014. Professor Carolyn Ellis, arguably the most prominent pioneer of autoethnographical work, will deliver the key note address entitled: "Living and relating after the holocaust: a survivor and researcher collaborate in compassionate storytelling".

This address will be followed by a presentation by Professors Garth Stevens and Norman Duncan of the University of Witwatersrand about The Apartheid Archive Project. Next is Dr Lauren Dylle-Myklebust of the Centre for Communication, Media and Society of the University of KwaZulu-Natal whose presentation is entitled: "Traversing reflexivity, autoethnography and narrative in Kalahari research terrains: observations and approaches". Professor Wilhelm Jordaan, a distinguished professor at the University of Pretoria, who is well-known for his articles on a variety of human, societal and religious issues in a weekly column, Van Mens tot Mens, in Beeld, a daily national newspaper, will then present his talk on: "Beavers build dams, spiders weave webs and humans tell stories". He is followed by Professor Willem Schurink, of the Centre for Work Performance, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, who as visiting professor has supervised many masters and doctoral students in doing qualitative research. Assisted by researchers, Professor Schurink will give an overview of the life story and autoethnographical research of the Department. The seminar will be concluded by Professors Jordaan and Ellis who will offer a critical evaluation of autoethnography and will look at the road ahead.

There is no registration fee for the workshops and seminar. Attendees will, however, have to carry the cost for their own transport, accommodation and meals.

If you are interested in attending any of these events, please indicate those you prefer, and send an e-mail to Ms Rooksana Sheik at rsheik@uj.ac.za since space is limited.

Yours sincerely,

Willem Schurink

Visiting Professor

Department for Industrial Psychology and People Management