PhD Course in Ethnographic Method

The course exercises the ethnographic research cycle, highlighting the importance of development and articulation of research questions in relation to ethnographic fieldwork strategies in anthropological research. Thus, the course will cover the linkages from definition of the research question and pre-fieldwork preparation to fieldwork strategies and ethical dilemmas, to analyzing data and preparation of the finished text.

Upon completion, students will have acquired

1. An understanding of the dynamics between theory, fieldwork practice and writing up.
2. Skills in the formulation of a conceptual research problem, relating it both to empirical field situations and existing theoretical debates
3. Awareness of potential ethical issues.
4. Practical experience in writing up an ethnographically based research text.
5. First-hand experience in presenting their own research to a professional audience. Including the formulation and reception of peer critique.
6. Knowledge in the current state-of-the-art literature.

This course aims to bring together PhD candidates from Nordic and other institutions for three days of intensive lectures and discussions, in addition to follow up tutoring on different aspects of the ethnographic research cycle. Participants are expected to apply ethnographic methods in their research projects, and their own projects play a major role in the course. They submit a draft of their ethnographic research, allowing proposals to be pre-circulated to and read by participants prior to the course. Participants present their proposals during the course.