ANTH 312 - Ethnographic Methods

This course is designed to engage students in a variety of ethnographic methods, to build a vocabulary of analytical tools to make sense of social worlds, and to provide examples of ethnographic work. The course will build on the foundation laid in ANTH/SOC 180 looking at the ethics and practices of ethnographic endeavors and will serve to prepare students for projects in their senior seminar courses, as well as providing a background in ethnographic methods for non-majors. The course will look at the development of ethnographic research projects, the theoretical contexts in which they emerged and the critique that arises from ventures in representation. Students will gain experience in formulating research questions, doing participant observation, writing field notes, conducting interviews, transcribing and coding material, and will make forays into digital methodologies. Students will provide peer feedback, as a piece of learning how to analyze and evaluate qualitative data. Additionally, students will read ethnographic works, view ethnographic films, and engage with material reflecting on the ethics and best practices of such work. Instructor Permission

3 credits