Ethnographic Methods and Practice

Description:

Ethnographic Methods and Practice

The purpose of this one-week course is to provide intensive training in contemporary ethnographic methods and practice. During the course students will learn how to conduct ethnographic fieldwork, analyse ethnographic data and frame an ethnographic study. The focus will be on the application of this set of methods to understanding real world issues in context, and we will draw connections between traditional forms of ethnographic enquiry and emergent visual, digital, and material methods will be emphasised.

Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at postgraduates, researchers and professionals who are interested in using ethnographic research methods to understand social settings, relationships and practices.

Course benefits
This course will provide students with:

• an understanding of how to design and carry out a practicable piece of ethnographic research
• an awareness of contemporary developments in the theory and practice of ethnographic studies
• hands-on experience of the collection and analysis of ethnographic fieldwork
• an emphasis on practical approaches to making ethnography part of successful theoretical and applied research
• specialised teaching by researchers experienced with using ethnographic methods in a variety of projects.

Prerequisites
Applicants must be at postgraduate level or higher. Experience of undertaking social research (in particular qualitative research) and familiarity with ethnographic approach and writings is desirable but not required.

Course outline
Over the course of a week, this course will cover core components of the ethnographic approach. Starting with an introduction to ethnographic methods, the course will guide students through research design, data gathering and analysis, as well as relevant ethical issues. Students will therefore learn about a range of contemporary ethnographic approaches, as well as develop an understanding of how to set about undertaking an ethnographic study of their own. 

Course topics will be premised on the view that ethnographic methods cannot only provide a deep understanding of the social life of a particular ‘field,’ but also that they can offer a unique perspective into wider societal relations. Through a practice-based approach, and a focus on contemporary developments in ethnographic methods, this course will provide a solid methodological foundation for using ethnographic research to understand real-world issues in context.

The course is comprised of a 3-hour lecture each morning, and a 2-hour class or practical exercise each afternoon. Teaching will be delivered by research-active qualitative researchers who have used a range of ethnographic methods in their research to date and who are proponents of the use of ethnography in academic and applied research settings alike. 

This course is offered as part of the LSE Methods Summer Programme, a summer school of intensive short courses in social science research methods for students, researchers and professionals. A number of social events will be held throughout the programme. Participants will be provided with a transcript and certificate upon completion of the course. For more information on the Methods Summer Programme, please visit our website at lse.ac.uk/methods. 

Cost:

Students: £935
Academic/charity staff: £1250
Professionals: £1575

Website and registration:

http://www.lse.ac.uk/study/summerSchools/Methods/Qualitative_&_Mixed/ME109.aspx

Region:

Greater London

Keywords:

Qualitative Interviewing, Observation, Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Ethnography, Research Ethics, Writing Skills, Writing for publications

Related publications and presentations:

Qualitative Interviewing
Observation
Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Ethnography
Research Ethics
Writing Skills
Writing for publications

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