ANTH47115: Advanced Ethnographic Research

• SOCI58815 Qualitative Methods in Social Science (or alternative prior knowledge and understanding as noted in core regulations for University MARM students)

• None

• Cannot be taken with Fieldwork, Interpretation and Representation

• To provide an advanced understanding of the epistemic and methodological underpinnings of ethnographic research;
• To provide opportunities to practice advanced ethnographic research skills;
• To provide a thorough grounding in analysis and write-up of ethnographic data.

• Indicative content will include:
• Relationships between ethnographic methods and theory, drawing on critical reading of the literature and practical experience.
• Exploration of different ethnographic methods including classic participant observation through to multi-sensorial ethnography).
• Critical analysis of ethnographic data and texts

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
• Advanced understanding of theoretical issues and debates related to ethnographic research and writing;
• Advanced understanding of the practice, analysis and write-up of ethnographic research.

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of the module students should be able to:
• Develop and critically evaluate advanced anthropological arguments in relation to ethnographic methodology, ethics and epistemology.
• Design and conduct rigorous, well-designed research projects founded on ethnographic methods.
• Conduct critical, theoretically-informed analysis and write-up of detailed ethnographic material.

Key Skills:

• Students will also develop some important key skills, suitable for underpinning study at this and subsequent levels, such as:
• Independent and critical thinking in conducting and assessing research practice.
• An ability to integrate and apply advanced knowledge and skills in professional practice.

• Teaching will be through seminars that combine short introductory lectures with class discussion and practical exercises to give students hands-on experience of ethnographic methods.
• Practical exercises, giving students the opportunity to practice and reflect critically on ethnographic research methods
• Facilitated peer learning on critical analysis of ethnographic data and the writing of ethnographic texts.
• Summative assessment will a reflexive write-up of practical research, including critical theoretical discussion. This will enable students to draw together their understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of advanced ethnographic research. Formative assessment will be a 750-word written piece outlining the structure and main argument of the summative piece, with an indicative bibliography.

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