Universität Wien

080008 KU B730 Ethnographic Writing (2025W)

6.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 8 - Kunstgeschichte und Europäische Ethnologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Mo 17.11. 14:30-16:00 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Please note that this course ends before the Christmas break and all assignments must be turned in by the end of 2025 at the latest. The workload is densely distributed over the 11 weeks of the course but in return you are done earlier.

The final written exam is on 17 December 2025. If you take the final exam on Dec 17, 2025 and do not receive a grade high enough to pass the course, you may take the make-up exam on 23 December 2025.

  • Monday 06.10. 14:30 - 16:00 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 08.10. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 15.10. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Monday 20.10. 14:30 - 16:00 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 22.10. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 29.10. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Monday 03.11. 14:30 - 16:00 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 05.11. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 12.11. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 19.11. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 26.11. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 03.12. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 10.12. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Monday 15.12. 14:30 - 16:00 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse
  • Wednesday 17.12. 11:00 - 12:30 Seminarraum 2 (4.Stock) EE Hanuschgasse

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course provides practical training in ethnographic writing and combines specific writing assignments with readings of classic texts on ethnographic writing, such as the “Writing Culture” debate and the problems of ethnographic representation. In addition, we will examine the characteristics of modern automated text generators (chatbots) and explore the challenges that ChatGPT and similar technologies pose, particularly for ethnographic writing. In doing so, we will address the following questions: How do AI-supported text generators influence authorship, style, and reflexivity? To what extent must concepts and methods of ethnographic research, including “field,” “participant observation,” and “experience,” be adapted to machine-mediated everyday life and realities? These questions will be examined both theoretically and through our own empirical writing experiments in order to develop a sound understanding of digital and AI-supported writing practices.
The course focuses on the process of writing: over the course of the semester, participants will compose various texts and text types that serve as exercises and develop their ethnographic writing skills. The potential applications of AI (e.g., ChatGPT) will also be explored—both as a tool for writing processes and as a subject of critical analysis. Students will reflect on the extent to which AI changes or challenges the linguistic, stylistic, and methodological dimensions of ethnographic writing.

Assessment and permitted materials

Course with continuous assessment. Attendance is mandatory (2 absences allowed).

Points are awarded as follows:
[40 points] Active participation, reading of seminar literature, and preparation for sessions
[20 points] Presentation of a text and leading the discussion (“presentation”)
[40 points] Written exam. Date: December 17, 2025

A series of small assignments will allow you to practice the various possibilities of ethnographic writing. Since such assignments can easily be generated by AI nowadays and I would like to avoid spending my time reading and correcting AI-generated texts, the exercises will not be graded. It is your responsibility to decide whether you want to learn the skills that this seminar is designed to teach.

In the seminar, AI serves as a supporting tool for text analysis, idea development, and stylistic revision, but it does not replace the critical reflection, creative input, and ethical responsibility of the writers.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Für den erfolgreichen Abschluss der LV sind zumindest 51 von 100 möglichen Punkten zu erreichen.
Notenskala:
> = 92 sehr gut (1)
> = 80 gut (2)
> = 65 befriedigend (3)
> = 51 genügend (4)
< 51 nicht genügend (5)

Examination topics

Readings, intermittent input lectures, and your own experiences with ethnographic writing.

Reading list

A reading list is provided on the Moodle learning platform and includes both classic texts on ethnographic representation and current articles on AI in science and writing, as well as ethnography in digital contexts.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Th 25.09.2025 14:46