Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE ANT2008

 
TITLE Ethnographic Research Strategies

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Anthropological Sciences

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit provides an overview of the different ethnographic research methods (including participant observation and in-depth interviewing) through discussion of anthropological texts and fieldwork practice. Students will explore the different steps involved in designing a research project in anthropology and conducting fieldwork, by defining their own ethnographic projects.

Throughout the study-unit, students will also be exposed to ethical dilemmas and challenges that may arise when conducting ethnographic fieldwork.

Study-Unit Aims:

- To examine the ethical implications of ethnographic research;
- To explain the main research methods of sociocultural anthropology;
- To highlight the objectives, possibilities and limitations of ethnographic fieldwork.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- To examine the ethical implications of ethnographic research;
- To explain the main research methods of sociocultural anthropology;
- To highlight the objectives, possibilities and limitations of ethnographic fieldwork.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Design a research project that uses ethnographic research methods appropriate to the specific research question(s);
- Conduct qualitative interviews;
- Write a research proposal in anthropology.

Reading List:

- Agar, The Professional Stranger; Pelto and Pelto, Anthropological Research; Marcus and Clifford, Writing Culture.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES This study-unit is offered to B.A. (Hons) Anthropology students only.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM2 Yes 30%
Research Paper SEM2 Yes 70%

 
LECTURER/S Jean-Paul Baldacchino
Daniela DeBono
Gisella Orsini

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit