Course syllabus
ANTHRO 753: Practicing Ethnographic Research Methods
SEMESTER 1, 2018
15 points
Course Convenor:
Phyllis Herda - p.herda@auckland.ac.nz
Teacher:
Phyllis Herda - p.herda@auckland.ac.nz
Course delivery format:
two hour weekly seminar
two workshops
Wednesdays 3:00 - 5:00; HSB 807
(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)
Summary of Course Description:
This course is organised around a real-life class research-learning project on the topic of first year students’ experience of university. You will explore how first year anthropology students found their way to anthropology and try to understand their "life world" at university.
To do this you will learn to use a range of different approaches: interviews, participant observation, group discussion, walkabout (multisensory) and visual approaches and how to apply relevant analyses. You will be encouraged to use a reflexive approach. Finally you will get the opportunity to "write up" a short ethnographic essay on an aspect of your research, practice writing a research proposal on your (completed) project and reflect on what you have learned.
Course and learning objectives:
- To study the place of field, library and archive research in social anthropology
- To become familiar with a range of ethnographic field methods and techniques, applicable in diverse research situations
- To gain closely supervised research practice including research design, proposal writing and ethnographic writing, while working on a research learning project
- To develop an understanding of the theoretical, epistemological and ethical implications of various approaches to research
- To be able to argue for your disciplinary perspective on research
Assessment Summary:
Prep, Presence & Participation = 10%
Practicing Research Methods = 40%
Writing Up Your Research = 50%
See Course Outline (link below) for assignment details
Weekly Topics:
See Course Outline (link below) for Weekly Seminar Schedule
Prescribed Texts:
See Course Outline (link below) for required readings
Recommended Texts:
See Course Outline (link below ) for recommended readings
Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:
The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks.
Course summary:
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