Qualitative Methods and Ethnographic Fieldwork (SA0074)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-QMEF

The course introduces the historical and theoretical background to ethnographic methods with references to practice in sociology and social anthropology. Although qualitative methods may also be associated merely with small samples yet formal interviewing techniques, here emphasis will be placed on informal and unstructured or semi-structured approaches. These include participant observation and the context of interviewing. The mechanics and methods of participant observation will be outlined with examples, including those presented in autobiographical accounts. Participants will discuss the emergent methodological issues from informal interviews. The unique ethical and political problems in the publication of ethnographic detail will be briefly considered. Finally, the recording and analysis of field notes and other research material arising from intensive fieldwork and eventual presentation will be addressed.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Studies), (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should:

1. be able to carry out participant observation and other forms of social research from the fieldwork tradition;

2. be reflexive about the conduct of qualitative research, and be able to assess critically other pieces of research carried out in this tradition;

3. be aware of the main ethical and theoretical issues raised by this research method.