This is a project-based, hands-on course. Students will experiment using different qualitative research methods in cultural anthropology such as participant observation, oral history, and interviewing. They will also practice writing fieldnotes, analysis and ethnography. Through practice and reflection on individual and group research projects, students will think critically about the relationship between theory and methods; they will learn how to craft good research questions; and, they will learn to choose appropriate sites, methods and tools to develop research design. Equipment such as digital voice recorders, video cameras, and transcription software will be available for students to check out and use through the graduate student computer lab. Students should purchase a small field notebook, and if they wish to use cameras they must provide their own.
Professor Jenn Shannon
See the University Catalog for specifics, recommendations, and prerequisites.