Research Methods in Anthropology
Course code
HIA6336.HT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Uurimismeetodid antropoloogias
Course title in English
Research Methods in Anthropology
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2024/2025 Spring semester
Jaanika Vider (language of instruction:Estonian)
lecturer of 2025/2026 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
In this course we will use the life-history approach as a hands-on example through which to illustrate the strengths of personalised, in-depth, qualitative, ethnographic fieldwork. Throughout the module we examine the relationship between theory and methods and through our focus on life history research, we will also examine the links between methods and a key theoretical concern in anthropology; the relationship between the individual and society.
Brief description of the course
Fieldwork has been the hallmark of social anthropological research since the field's inception. Ethnographic fieldwork has a strong emphasis in qualitative research and a reliance on the use of participant observation and the ethnographic interview. Despite this, the way fieldwork is conceived and conducted (and its relationship to theory) have changed dramatically, alongside the discipline. In his book “Routes, Travel And Translation In The Late Twentieth Century”, Clifford (1997) flags two important aspects of fieldwork: first, the formation of intensive interactions and relationships that produce “deep” understanding in settings that can vary in time and location, and, second, a sense of displacement, movement or travel for the fieldworker thus allowing for a more objective detached perspective. The ways in which anthropologists strive to interact with people while maintaining objectivity makes research ethics and methodological choices particularly important.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- has acquired theoretical and practical knowledge of various ethnographic research methods, approaches, and data analysis;
- is able to assess the suitability of different methods and approaches for specific field conditions and research tasks;
- can describe, analyze, and evaluate research findings both orally and in writing.
- has acquired theoretical and practical knowledge of various ethnographic research methods, approaches, and data analysis;
- is able to assess the suitability of different methods and approaches for specific field conditions and research tasks;
- can describe, analyze, and evaluate research findings both orally and in writing.
Teacher
Jaanika Vider
The course is a prerequisite
Study programmes containing that course