Summer School in Anthropological Research Methods

Level of Study

Bachelor level, aimed at third and second year bachelor students.

Teaching semester

Summer semester, week 29/30

Place of Instruction

Kazbegi, Georgia

Objectives and Content

The focus of the Summer School is the methodology of the anthropological discipline, its core research tools and techniques. The course will incorporate anthropological methods practiced both at Norwegian and Georgian institutions, thereby contributing to exchange of knowledge for students from both institutions. In addition to traditional methods related to participant observation, the course will give an introduction to visual tools, such as photo and film. The central aim of the course is to learn through experience; the course will provide an opportunity for practical training in conducting fieldwork. The students will gain an overview of the various fieldwork methods, an insight into how the methods can be applied, and develop practical fieldwork skills. The course will develop students' understanding of the process of ethnographic research, its design, methods and the implications of methodological choices. The Summer School will be an important step in preparing students for long-term fieldwork at the master degree level.

The summer school will consist of three parts:

1. Lectures/seminars on core ethnographic methods, introducing the techniques and tools of field research, research design and planning, organization of fieldwork data, ethical aspects of research.
2. Mini fieldwork: Georgian and Norwegian students in groups of two will carry out mini fieldwork in various locations and on diverse topics.
3. Production and presentation of ethnography (textual and visual) based on the gathered material from the fieldwork.

Learning Outcomes

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• is able to provide an overview of anthropological research methods and techniques.
• has an understanding of how to plan and design an anthropological research project.
• is able show an awareness of ethical challenges related to specific research projects.

Skills

The student

• has an ability to develop feasible anthropological research projects.
• has a practical experience and insights from anthropological fieldwork.
• is able to apply relevant anthropological research methods in data collection.

General competence

The student

• can reflect analytically over research project design and implementation.
• can evaluate critically the ethical aspects of research activities.
• has the ability to work in teams and with participants with different perspectives and methodological approaches.

Required Previous Knowledge

At least 60 ECTS, of which 30 ECTS must be in Social Anthropology.

Access to the Course

Anthropology students at UiB and Tbilisi State University (TSU). Seven students from each university will be prioritized based on transcript of records and motivation letter. Please see the department's home pages for call for summer school applications.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, seminars, workshops (group work) and a mini-fieldwork

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Compulsory attendance

Approved compulsory requirements are only valid for the semester it is approved.

Forms of Assessment

Assignment (1500 words +/- 10%)

Grading Scale

Pass / fail

Assessment Semester

Summer

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.

Course Administrator

The Department of Social Anthropology at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course and the study programme.