240189 SE Ethnographic Practice (P1) (2013S)

This course introduces the historical and theoretical background to ethnographic methods with reference to social anthropology and aspects of sociology. Although qualitative methods may in other disciplines be associated merely with small samples from structured, quantitative interviewing, here emphasis is placed on unstructured or semi-structured approaches. Major emphasis is placed on participant observation: the core of anthropological fieldwork and initially developed within sociology. This invariably enhances interactive dialogue. Examples will be analysed from a wide range of anthropologists, including published autobiographical accounts and recorded narratives.
Given the convenor’s fieldwork among Gypsies or Travellers and continuing engagement with others’ Roma research throughout Europe, the course includes key case studies of these minority groups. Simultaneously, the challenge of access to non-Gypsy policy makers with wider political hegemony and related problems of ‘studying up’ will be confronted.
General field research themes to address include: initial proposals, ensuing changes, serendipity, non-verbal and bodily knowledge, and the crucial role of local associates. The relevance of the students' individual research priorities will be open to exploration, along with emergent methodological issues from mutually exchanged interviews. An ethnographic focus will include visual perspectives in photography and film evoking comparisons or contrasts with verbal records. The collection and analysis of field notes will be explored, together with the process of finally ‘writing up’. The unique ethical and political decisions in the pursuit and publication of detailed ethnographic research will be addressed.