Fall 2024 Anthropology GR6070 section 001

MAKING ETHNOG:METHOD & WRITING

Call Number 10824
Day & Time
Location
R 2:10pm-4:00pm
467 EXT Schermerhorn Hall [SCH]
Points 3
Grading Mode Standard
Approvals Required None
Instructor Sheng Long
Type SEMINAR
Method of Instruction In-Person
Course Description

This course begins with two central and related epistemological problems in conducting ethnographic research: first, the notion that objects of scientific research are ‘made’ through adopting a particular relational stance and asking certain kinds of questions. From framing a research problem and choosing a ‘research context’ story to tell, to the kinds of methods one selects to probe such a problem, the ‘how’ and ‘what’ – or means and content – are inextricably intertwined. A second epistemological problem concerns the artifice of reality, and the nebulous distinction between truth and fiction, no less than the question of where or with whom one locates such truth.

With these issues framing the course, we will work through some key themes and debates in anthropology from the perspective of methodology, ranging from subject/object liminality to incommensurability and radical alterity to the politics of representation. Students will design an ethnographic project of their choosing and conduct research throughout the term, applying different methodological approaches popular in anthropology and the social sciences more generally, such as participant observation, semi-structured interview, diary-keeping and note-taking.

Web Site Vergil
Department Anthropology
Enrollment 15 students (16 max) as of 9:05PM Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Subject Anthropology
Number GR6070
Section 001
Division Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Note Registration priority will be given to MA students in anthro
Section key 20243ANTH6070G001