Examination arrangement

Course content

The course seeks to highlight centrality of the construction and articulation of theoretical problems and ethnographic data in anthropological research. Thus, the course will cover the linkages from definition of the research questions and pre-fieldwork preparation to fieldwork strategies and ethical dilemmas, to analyzing data and preparation of the finished text.

Learning outcome

Upon completion, students would have acquired

1. An understanding of the dynamics between theory and ethnographic practice.
2. Skills for the construction of a conceptual research problem relating it both to an empirical field situation as well as with existing theoretical debates
3. Awareness of potential ethical issues.
4. First-hand experience in presenting their own research to a professional audience. Including the making and reception of peer critique.
5. Acquired knowledge on the current state-of-the-art literature.

Learning methods and activities

This course aims to bring together PhD candidates from Nordic and other institutions for three days of intensive lectures and discussions on different aspects of the ethnographic research cycle. Participants will be expected to submit a draft of their proposed research. This will allow proposals to be pre-circulated to and read by participants prior to the course. Participants will present their proposals in class.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory attendance at the lectures
• Oral presentation

Further on evaluation

Submission of essay is required to obtain credits. The essay must fall within the following category: A discussion, analysis and critical appraisal of the course literature. The essay should not exceed 4500 words (excluding bibliography and notes).

An identical version of the exam paper cannot be used directly in the PhD thesis at NTNU as an article or a chapter. A revised version of the exam paper can be included in the thesis.

Required previous knowledge

Masterdegree or equivalent, Candidates must have a PhD. project before entering this course.

Course materials

Will be announced before course-start

Credit reductions