C8619 - WORKSHOP ON VISUAL ETHNOGRAPHY

Academic Year 2026/2027

  • Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in International Relations (cod. 6749)

Learning outcomes

This workshop introduces students to both the production of visual ethnography as a method, and the analysis of visual ethnographic information. Students completing the course will be able to use basic visual ethnographic methods in their research, and will understand the possibilities as well as limits of this method in the field of political science. They will also be able to compare photography and film, still and moving images, to other visual evidence, including statistical graphs and computer simulations.

Course contents

We will examine the idea of ‘ethnography’ as a method, and distinguish within it ‘visual ethnography.’ The course then will use a variety of sources from slides, video clips as well as academic texts to understand the added value of ethnography in the study of political and legal issues. 

Readings/Bibliography

https://virtuale.unibo.it/course/view.php?id=34496

Teaching methods

seminar structure with active participation, students will be expected to show their own work in the course. No equipment is needed except some basic form of camera, which could be any camera the student already owns, a phone, etc. In lieu of any camera, drawings will be allowed. 

Assessment methods

The workshop is pass/fail. Students must attend and submit a piece of visual ethnography in order to pass.

Teaching tools

The work of visual ethnographers, artists and others will be made available for students through photos, videos and online databases. Journal articles and book excerpts will also be used and made available. 

Office hours

See the website of Cindy Lynn Skach

SDGs

Peace, justice and strong institutions

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.