72516 - Methodologies of Ethnographic Research (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will know the main methodologies of ethnographic research; they will be able to elaborate autonomous projects and to identify the most suitable methods for every specific research context; they will have acquired the skills to communicate research results effectively.

Course contents

The course aims to prepare students to carry out anthropological fieldwork by

1. proposing theoretical insights;
2. giving concrete tools to be able to conduct participant observation and interviews (ethical aspects, transcription, “data-card”);
3. encouraging a critical approach to the hypotheses formulated during the fieldwork on the basis of group discussions;
4. giving the opportunity to practice presentation of research work.

Attending students who have previously done courses with prof. Roberta Bonetti and prof. Davide Domenici can carry out interviews on themes already studied in these courses.

Timetable

Lectures will begin on the 4th April 2016, according to the following timetable:

Monday 15-17 aula D, via Zamboni 34

Tuesday 15-17 aula D, via Zamboni 34

Wednesday 15-17 aula D, via Zamboni 34

Readings/Bibliography

ATTENDING students

1) Pennacini, C. (ed.), La ricerca sul campo in antropologia. Oggetti e metodi, Roma, Carocci, 2010

2) Materials provided in class.

NON-ATTENDING students

1) Pennacini, C. (ed.), La ricerca sul campo in antropologia. Oggetti e metodi, Roma, Carocci, 2010

2) One of the following volumes: Cappelletto, F. (ed.), Vivere l’etnografia, Firenze, SEID, 2009; Fabietti, U. (ed.), Etnografia e culture. Antropologi, informatori e politiche dell’identità, Roma, Carocci, 2001; H.L. Seneviratne (ed.) The Anthropologist and the Native. Essays for Gananath Obeyesekere, Firenze, Società Editrice Fiorentina, 2009 (only section VI: “The Anthropologist and the Native”, pp. 397-485).

Teaching methods

The course involves lectures on theoretical approaches, interactive lessons in which the research methodologies are discussed, group work on interviews, presentations and group discussions on the results achieved.

Assessment methods

Assessment is carried out through an oral exam, in which students are requested to show deep knowledge of the bibliography, critical analytic skills and appropriate linguistic communicative ability.

The attending students will also be evaluated on the basis of a) their active participation in lessons; b) the results of their group work; c) their ability, demonstrated in final lessons, to reformulate the research hypotheses emerging from any problems arising during the fieldwork.

Teaching tools

Attending students are kindly invited to subscribe to the following mailing list in order to receive information about possible variations in lecture timetable and rooms: cristiana.natali.Metodologie-ricerca-etnografica.

Office hours

See the website of Cristiana Natali