What makes Social Anthropology different from other social science disciplines? It is its methods of collecting data, of analysing and interpreting the data collected, and the methods and techniques of writing up the research. Ethnographic Research Methods in introduces you to the main methods that are commonly applied in Social Anthropology and the central issues of the anthropological research process. The course has three objectives:
1. To introduce the scope and nature of anthropological methods and modes of enquiry
2. To make clear the role participants and researchers play in the research process.
3. To guide students through the application of the methods to an individually chosen research question.
This course is aimed at undergraduate students who are interested in learning about different research methods used in social anthropology, and how these can be come together as ethnography. In this course, you will undertake your own small-scale research project on a topic of your choice, practicing the techniques you will learn in class. This is a course where learning by doing is essential and reflecting on the process.
Agar, M. (1980) ‘The concept of fieldwork’ in The Professional Stranger: An informal Introduction to Ethnography. New York: Academic Press
Wolcott, H. (1995) ‘Fieldwork vs (just) being in the field’ in The art of fieldwork Walnut Creek (Ca): Altamira Press
Frequency | Weekday | Time | Format / Place | Period |
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Module | Course | Requirements | |
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30-M10 Vertiefung Methoden II | Vertiefung Methoden | Study requirement
Graded examination |
Student information |
30-M25 Fachmodul Transnationalisierung, Migration und Entwicklung | Seminar 1 | Study requirement
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Student information |
Seminar 2 | Study requirement
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Student information | |
- | Graded examination | Student information | |
30-M5 Vertiefung Methoden I | Vertiefung Methoden | Study requirement
Graded examination |
Student information |
The binding module descriptions contain further information, including specifications on the "types of assignments" students need to complete. In cases where a module description mentions more than one kind of assignment, the respective member of the teaching staff will decide which task(s) they assign the students.
You will be trained in the practical and theoretical elements of anthropological methods. You are then required to apply this training to your own chosen piece of ethnographic research. By the end of the course you are expected to:
be familiar with anthropological methods and how they are applied to research.
be aware of the relationship between anthropological methods and specific modes of enquiry
be familiar with some key debates surrounding anthropological methods
be aware of your own role in the research process and able to critically reflect on the role of other ethnographers in their research.
have developed skills in conducting ethnographic research and ethnographic writing
All students are expected to be regularly present in the sessions and participate in activities and discussion
A corresponding course offer for this course already exists in the e-learning system. Teaching staff can store materials relating to teaching courses there: