Time Schedule:
Miriam Kahn
ANTH 456
Seattle Campus
Discusses several contemporary ethnographies. Focuses on what constitutes ethnography and how ethnography is done, as well as the relationship between ethnographic description, methodology, and theory. Covers a range of geographical areas, theoretical perspectives, and literary styles.. Prerequisite: either a 100- 200 level ANTH course or LING 203.
Class description
Several contemporary ethnographies will be read and discussed. Focus is on what constitutes ethnography and how ethnography is done, as well as the relationship between ethnographic description, methodology, and theory. The ethnographies cover a range of geographical areas, theoretical perspectives, and literary styles. Prerequisite: one lower-level ANTH course.
Student learning goals
Define ethnography and identify its characteristics and applications
Understand the place of contemporary ethnography within its historical formation
Understand the relationship between ethnographic methodology, theory, and praxis
Raise and answer questions about the who, why, when, how, and where of doing ethnography
Conduct a mini-ethnographic project
General method of instruction
Class time will be spent on lectures, discussion (both small and large group discussion), in-class writing, films, and guest presentations.
Recommended preparation
One 200-level social science course is sufficient.
Class assignments and grading
in-class writing assignments ethnographic exercises mini-ethnography
30% in-class writing assignments 10% ethnographic exercise #1 10% ethnographic exercise #2 30% mini-ethnography 20% class participation
