Course content

The course is twofold. On the one hand, the course focuses on the craft of descriptive field methods. This part of the course discusses different techniques to systematically produce and procure information during field work, such as writing ethnographic field notes, extended case method, and types of interviews and surveys. On the other hand, the students shall define their own research projects for the Master Degree. As a preparation for the field, the students shall select literature (approx. 300 pages) relevant for the processes and phenomena they are going to study, and on the society in which they are going to carry out the field work. On this basis, they shall write a literature review (4000 words), discussing the major perspectives, concepts, methods and theories on the topic selected for the field research.

Learning outcome

a) Develop basic skills in ethnographic field methods that enable the students to observe and document social processes and interactions. 2) Show a good command of the relevant anthropological perspectives on the socio-cultural phenomena that are subject for the field study, and on the society in which the field work will be carried out.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars and library course (approx. 36 hours).
The course is reserved for students admitted to a particular programme ("studierettskrav"). Exhange students interested in the course must consult the Department for possible admission.

Compulsory assignments

• Submitted written project description

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

See formal requirments.

Required previous knowledge

Bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology or the equivalent.

Credit reductions