Module ANTH46930: Fieldwork, Interpretation and Representation

Department: Anthropology

ANTH46930: Fieldwork, Interpretation and Representation

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To give students a comprehensive view of qualitative field methods used by social sciences, including the collection, management and interpretation of qualitative data.

Content

• Relation of explanatory theories to methods of research.
• Ethnography and participant observation.
• Interviewing (semi-structured interviews, guided conversations, life history interviews).
• Focus groups and other group-based research techniques.
• Participatory methods (e.g. participatory mapping, ranking, etc.).
• Power relations and reflexivity in qualitative research.
• Management and analysis of qualitative data.
• Ethical issues in qualitative research.

Learning Outcomes

• A comprehensive overview of qualitative field methods used by social scientists.
• A thorough understanding of the ways in which social scientists interpret ethnographic and other qualitative data.

• To be able to use effectively a range of qualitative social research techniques, including ethnography and participant observation, individual and group-based interviews, and participatory research methods.
• To be able to analyse and interpret qualitative data.
• To understand the relationships between method and theory.
• To appreciate some of the ethical issues inherent in qualitative social research.

• 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

• Fortnightly lectures: to introduce each topic, present key literature and frame theoretical considerations.
• Fortnightly practical workshops: to give students hands-on experience of using each method with their peers, with accompanying discussion/reflections.
• Assessment via a reflexive portfolio of practical write-ups, incorporating theoretical as well as practical reflections.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Portfolio “segment”: reflexive write-up of one practical assignment (c. 1000 words) with individual written feedback.

■ 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