Spring 2024 - SA 875 G100
Ethnographic Methodology: Social/Cultural Anthropology (5)
Class Number: 1990
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Barbara Mitchell
mitchelo@sfu.ca
Office Hours: By appointment (via email, in person, ZOOM)
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
In depth study of ethnographic methodology as practiced, theorized and debated by social and cultural anthropologists. Course will include anthropological analyses of multi- and interdisciplinary approaches to, and adaptations of, ethnographic methodology and methods. Elective course for MA and PhD students in Sociology and Anthropology. Students from other departments and faculties may enrol with permission of instructor. Course will be offered in response to student demand, dependent on availability of departmental resources.
COURSE DETAILS:
The overall pedagogical objective of this course is to understand and critically evaluate a variety of qualitative research methods commonly used in the social sciences (e.g., ethnographic research, interviewing, participatory, critical anti-oppressive approaches, creative, and community-based methods). In addition, we will engage in conversations about larger questions and debates regarding qualitative methodology, epistemology, and the politics of knowledge. Students will gain “hands on” skills related to the practice, design, analysis, interpretation, and the writing of qualitative inquiry.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
This course will have two main learning goal components: (1) understanding key theoretical, ethical, and philosophical ideas central to critically analyzing selected studies, controversies, and ongoing debates in the field; (2) developing applied skills and knowledge of various methods through the completion of assignments, including an original research project. By undertaking a small research study, students will gain practical experience and the opportunity to work through ethical, conceptual, and methodological issues of design, implementation, coding, analysis, and interpretation of findings.
Grading
- Critical Response Assignment 20%
- Project Proposal 15%
- Student Led Field Notes Seminar 15%
- Final Research Project 50%
NOTES:
Grading System: refer to S/A department and graduate school guidelines and policies.
Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.
Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations need to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.:
REQUIREMENTS:
Students are required to complete all course requirements. These requirements include attendance at lectures, leading and/or participating in class discussions, and the completion of assignments. Specific details will be distributed and discussed in class.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Reid, C., Greaves, L., & S. Kirby. 2017. Experience, Research, Social Change: Critical Methods, 3rd ed. Toronto: U. of Toronto Press
Strega, S., & L. Brown (eds.). 2015. Research as Resistance: Revisiting Critical, Indigenous, and Anti-Oppressive Approaches, 2nd ed. Toronto: Canadian Scholar’s Press.
*A list of (free) required supplementary readings will also be created and provided on CANVAS.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html