Course content

How do social anthropologists observe, describe, compare and interpret society and culture? Through practical exercises in fieldwork techniques and interpretative methods, you will acquire basic skills in anthropological methods, and in research ethics.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completing the course, you will have acquired knowledge of ethnographic descriptive methods, comparative methods, and qualitative interpretive methods. Through a basic understanding of how empirical material is systematically explored, obtained, and interpreted, you will gain knowledge of how anthropological knowledge is created from the ground up. You will also have acquired knowledge of the socio-scientific premises of participant observation and ethical issues related to the study of people.

Skills

Students who have passed the course

• can apply basic methods in ethnographic fieldwork, such as participant observation and descriptions of social interactions and the material and natural environments in which interactions take place.
• can use methods such as conversations and informal interviews.
• can apply basic principles of interpretation in participant observation.
• can employ procedures to gather information and academic material for comparison and extended case studies.
• can reflect on ethical issues related to the study of people.
• can master relevant academic concepts, techniques, and forms of expression in ethnographic exploratory and comparative methods.

General Competence

• has insight into relevant ethical issues in the field.
• can plan and implement various methods independently and as a participant in a group, in accordance with ethical requirements and guidelines.
• can convey central academic content on fundamental methodological issues and solutions in writing, orally, and through other relevant forms of expression. Can exchange views and experiences with others in the field and, through this, contribute to the development of good practices.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars and practical exercises in fieldwork techniques, such as observations, interviews, and in some semesters audio-visual recordings. Some of the lectures may be given in English.

Please note that mandatory activities and lectures may start prior to the registration deadline.

Compulsory assignments

• Field exercises and submission of papers in seminars

Recommended previous knowledge

SANT1020 and SANT1021

Course materials

The reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions