Political Ethnography

Description:

This course aims to teach participants how to conduct qualitative field research, particularly participant observation and ordinary language interviewing. The course provides an understanding of the distinctiveness of ethnographic fieldwork compared to other data collection methods. By the end of the course, students should be able to understand how to conduct ethnography rigorously and the skills needed to produce high-quality ethnographic research. Students will be able to practice data collection methods associated with ethnography, such as participant observation, field notes, and ordinary language interviews. Finally, the course will discuss how to use fieldwork data to produce new and general theoretical insights.

The course covers: 

• Introduction to Fieldwork

• Ordinary Language Interview 

• Participant Observation

• Theory building with qualitative data 

By the end of the course participants will:

• Explain the distinctive features of ethnographic fieldwork, particularly how participant observation and ordinary language interviewing differ from other qualitative research methods.
• Apply core ethnographic methods such as participant observation, field notes, and interviews in their own research projects
• Critically assess the methodological and ethical considerations involved in designing and conducting ethnographic research.
• Analyse fieldwork data to generate theoretical insights

Target Audience

• Postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD) in political science, sociology, anthropology, international relations, cultural studies, linguistics, arts, geography, archaeology, anthropology, and development studies, and related fields who are interested in incorporating ethnographic methods into their research;
• Early-career researchers and practitioners studying political or social dynamics who wish to strengthen their qualitative fieldwork skills—especially in participant observation and interviewing;
• Students planning or currently conducting fieldwork, particularly those working on topics like political parties, social movements, state institutions, or the everyday practices of politics.

There are no prerequisites. The course is designed to be accessible to those new to ethnographic research, though some familiarity with qualitative methods may enhance your experience.

PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS BEING HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON AND IS 2.5 DAYS LONG FOR PAYMENT PURPOSES.

Programme

Day 1

AM Session
Introduction to Fieldwork
Ordinary Language Interview

PM Session
Practice of Ordinary Language Interview

Day 2

AM Session
Lessons from Interview Practice 
Introduction to Participant Observation

PM Session
Practice of Participant Observation

Day 3

AM Session
Lessons from Participant Observation 
Constructing Theory with Ethnographic Data 

Cost:

The fee per teaching day is:

• £60 per day for students registered at any University.
• £150 per day for staff at academic institutions, Research Councils researchers, public sector staff and staff at registered charity organisations and recognised research institutions.
• £350 per day for all other participants

All fees include event materials and morning and afternoon refreshments.

In the event of cancellation by the delegate a full refund of the course fee is available up to two weeks prior to the course. NO refunds are available after this date.

If it is no longer possible to run a course due to circumstances beyond its control, NCRM reserves the right to cancel the course at its sole discretion at any time prior to the event. In this event every effort will be made to reschedule the course. If this is not possible or the new date is inconvenient a full refund of the course fee will be given. NCRM shall not be liable for any costs, losses or expenses that may be incurred as a result of its cancellation of a course, including but not limited to any travel or accommodation costs.

The University of Southampton’s Online Store T&Cs also continue to apply.

Website and registration:

Region:

South East

Keywords:

Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Ethnography, Qualitative Approaches (other), Participant Observation, Ethnographic Observation, Ordinary Language Interview, Qualitative Interview Design, Reflexivity, Transparency

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Ethnography
Qualitative Approaches (other)

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