Course syllabus

 

 

ANTHRO 753:  Practising Ethnographic Research Methods

SEMESTER ONE, 2019

15 points

 

Well-Being Always Comes First We all go through tough times during the semester, or see our friends struggling. There is lots of help out there. For more information, look at this Canvas page, which has links to various support services in the University and the wider community.

 

 

THE FULL COURSE OUTLINE IS AVAILABLE UNDER MODULES

Course Convenor

Dr Mark Busse - m.busse@auckland.ac.nz

 

Class Representatives:

To be announced

 

Course Delivery Format

1 x 2-hour seminar per week

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

 

Course Description      

This course provides an introduction to ethnographic research methods. During the semester, students will learn about, and practice, methods such as interviews, observation, participant observation, archival research, and visual methods. The course will also cover reflexivity, research ethics, and the transition from fieldwork to field notes to publication.

 

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the course, students are expected to:

• understand the place of field research in the creation of knowledge in social anthropology;
• understand the epistemological issues that inform ethnographic research;
• understand the ethics and politics of ethnographic research;
• be familiar with a range of ethnographic field methods and techniques through practical exercises;
• read ethnographic texts with a critical awareness of their constructed nature; and
• demonstrate reading, writing and discussion skills at a level appropriate for postgraduate students.

 

Reading

Required and suggested readings for the course will be provided in the course outline. All readings (required and suggested) will be available either on line through Canvas (under "Reading Lists") or, in the case of books, in the Short Loan Collection at the General Library.

 

Assessment Summary

Seminar Participation                    10%

Practical Exercises                        40%

Essay Proposal (500 words)         10%

Research Essay (2,500 words)     40%

 

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. This includes 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 – check course information for details.