Field Work

How do you undertake an anthropological research project? Your master’s project will be based on the project description that you developed in SANT3022. Most master’s projects involve ethnographic fieldwork, but it is also possible to conduct other forms of data collection by devising projects based on museum collections, archives, or libraries.

Data collection should be of a minimum 5 months duration. You are free to choose both its theme and site according to your own particular interests, you are also welcome to locate your research locus and focus closer to the ongoing research themes and projects at the department. By applying practical and concrete methodologies, such as participant observation, informal conversations, and interviews, or archive, collection, or library studies, you will be challenged to collect empirical data on an independent basis that will form the foundation of your master’s thesis.

On completing this course, you should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence.

Knowledge

• You will have knowledge regarding other life-worlds and the conditions that shape these.
• You will have knowledge regarding ethnographic and other qualitative research methodologies.
• You will have experience-based knowledge and understanding of the social anthropological research process.

Skills

• You are able to use different ethnographic research methods and establish your own data material.
• You are able to change perspectives and ask new questions in light of new knowledge.
• You can manage and execute your own research project.
• You can make running scientific and ethical assessments throughout the research process.

General competence

• You can gather data material in and on complex social situations.
• You can adopt and immerse yourself in other people’s perspectives, and regard your own perspective from outside.
• You can concretely and practically relate to principles of academic integrity and responsibility.

Data collection starts mid January and should last for five months. You can do data collection in Norway or abroad. You must submit 4 reports to your supervisor during your data collection. You and your supervisor make agreements about the topic and the deadlines.