Fall 2004

ANT 388K • Ethnographic & Qualitative Research Methods

Course Description

Philosophically, the course emphasizes a critical, reflexive style of ethnographic practice that acknowledges poststructuralist, Marxist, feminist, and critical race critiques of ethnography. The more theoretical readings lead to discussions of epistemology, ethics, and writing style. We also read several practical books on interviewing, participant-observation, fieldnotes, and two ethnographies that I have written. The more practical readings lead to discussions about the nuts and bolts of collecting and analyzing empirical data. Ideally, the readings help students complete a semester-long fieldwork project. If students have finished their fieldwork for an M.A. thesis or Ph.D dissertation, they can write up an aspect of that experience in lieu of the fieldwork project. The course usually draws students from a variety of departments besides anthropology, eg. Education, Journalism, Asian studies, Geography, Sociology, Psychology, Advertising, Art History, RTF, and American studies. It works particularly well for someone doing their thesis or doing a pilot for their dissertation.

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