Doing Ethnography
Key Facts
| Module Code |
SOCI4063
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| Module Convenor |
Esther Bott |
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| Teaching Pattern |
Intensive Block
Two-day workshop |
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| Semester Taught |
Spring Semester (usually in May or June) |
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| Method of Assessment |
Written assignment |
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| Pre Requisites |
SOCI4073 Foundations in Qualitative Analysis, or equivalent to be approved by the convenor. |
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| Module Administrator |
Tarine Felix |
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This module considers in detail 'ethnography' as a qualitative research method. It explores the underlying principles and practices of the approach, which broadly speaking involves studying people 'at first hand', in detail, usually at length and in the context in which they live, work, play etc. It will explore:
- Key concepts and approaches
- Important ethnographic studies
- Critiques, strengths and weaknesses
- Designing and planning your own ethnographic study.
Students will experience a range of learning methods including lectures, workshops, film viewings, student presentations and group work. The course will explore the historic development of the ethnographic tradition from its inception in the field of anthropology (e.g. Malinowski), early use in sociology (including the Chicago School's research into urban sociology). It will consider the contested terrain of defining what constitutes ethnographic research and how it has been conceptualised and theorised, paying particular attention to researcher subjectivity and how this impacts 'hands-on' research. Data-collection methods including interviewing, participant observation, text collection and photography will be explored in great detail, and students will be required to design a study with the above considerations in mind.
Please note, this is an interdisciplinary module that is open to students from across the social sciences. If you have any doubts about whether the course is suitable for your needs or level of study, please contact the module convenor before registering.