Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module ANTH43515: Ethnographic Enquiry

Department: Anthropology

ANTH43515: Ethnographic Enquiry

Type	Open	Level	4	Credits	15	Availability	Available in 2010/11

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

Fieldwork and Interpretation

Excluded Combination of Modules

None

Aims

To give students a deep understanding of ethnographic and related field methods, including the collection and the interpretation of ethnographic data. This module will build on the more basic knowledge of ethnographic methods in Fieldwork and Interpretation.

Content

Relation of explanatory theories to ethnographic research.
Learning and interpreting everyday life:
participant observation (everyday life as field research),
non-participant observation
noticing, querying
Note-taking, management and analysis of ethnographic field-notes
Mobile ethnography
Film and visual anthropology
Participation, power and collaborative ethnography
Using other methods as part of ethnography
Reflexivity in ethnographic research
Ethical issues in ethnographic research
Writing ethnography

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

A comprehensive overview and thorough grounding in the use of ethnographic field methods.
A thorough understanding of the ways in which social scientists interpret ethnographic data.

Subject-specific Skills:

To be able to conduct an ethnographic study using a range of appropriate techniques.
To be able to analyse and interpret ethnographic data.
To understand the relationships between ethnographic method and theory.
To appreciate some of the ethical issues inherent in ethnographic enquiry.

Key Skills:

Critical engagement with literature.
Written communication skills: producing a clear and well-argued research report.
Reflexivity: reflecting on own research practice.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures, practicals and project work.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Seminars (to include presentations, discussions & practical exercises)	11	weekly	2 hours	22
Reading and preparation				128
Total				150

Summative Assessment

Component: Research Project Report		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Ethnographic Research Project Report	3000 words	100%

Formative Assessment:

1000 word document on an exercise conducted as part of the seminar-based practicals.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University