B01-01AM: Introduction to Ethnography and Fieldwork

We begin by exploring interpretivists sensibilities in research design and analysis, focusing on a range of working modalities with texts, discourses and lived experiences. Zooming in on the practice of ethnography in studying world politics, we then review how to prepare for fieldwork, build working relationships, assess needs, and accommodate alternative pathways of inquiry. Finally, we reflect on what it might mean to embrace the fieldwork experience, including its accidental and unplanned aspects, and how to work with data, tell ‘stories’ and create representations in an ethical and thought-through manner. The purpose of this course is to cultivate conceptual understanding, reflexivity, and hands-on techniques for designing and carrying out ethnographic or ethnography-inspired research projects. To support participants in tailoring the course to their individual needs, we will utilize in-class writing processes as a complementary space for tracing and exploring our own meaning-making journeys.

Day 1 – Engaging meaning making: interpretivist research methods in practice

Our first session explores the distinctive characteristics of interpretivist methods, focusing on their foundational ontological and epistemological assumptions. We will also discuss how to craft meaningful research questions and engage with concepts through an ‘abductive’ approach to research.

Indicative reading:

Kurowska, Xymena, and Berit Bliesemann de Guevara. “Interpretive Approaches in Political Science and International Relations.” In The SAGE Handbook of Research Methods in Political Science and International Relations, edited by Luigi Curini and Robert Franzese, 1221–40. London: Sage, 2020.

Yanow, Dvora, and Peregrine Schwartz-Shea. Interpretation and Method: Empirical Research Methods and the Interpretive Turn. 2nd ed. London: Routledge, 2014.

Day 2 – Interpretivist research designs: working with ‘text’ and ‘experience’

This session situates ethnographic research methods within a broader continuum of interpretivist practices, such as discourse analysis, elite interviews, focus groups, and creative research methods. Ranging from close textual analysis to an appreciation of the performative and co-creative aspects of social interaction, we will explore various research designs that integrate text-based and field research approaches.

Indicative reading: 

Methmann, Chris. “Visualizing Climate-Refugees: Race, Vulnerability, and Resilience in Global Liberal Politics.” International Political Sociology 8, no. 4 (2014): 416–35.

Ghertner, D. Asher. “Analysis of New Legal Discourse Behind Delhi’s Slum Demolitions.” Economic and Political Weekly 43, no. 20 (2008): 57–66.

Tilly, Charles. “Afterword: Political Ethnography as Art and Science.” Qualitative Sociology 29, no. 4 (2006): 409–12.

Bliesemann de Guevara, Berit, El Refaie, Elisabeth, Elina Furnari, Sara Gameiro, Robin Julian, and Ananda Payson. “Drawing Out Experiential Conflict Knowledge in Myanmar: Arts-Based Methods in Qualitative Research With Conflict-Affected Communities.” Journal of Peacebuilding & Development 17, no. 1 (2022): 22–41.

Day 3 – Situating ethnographic research: histories, actors, orientations

This session explores some of the historical trajectories and diverse orientations of ethnographic research. Through foundational texts and contemporary debates, we will explore disciplinary and transdisciplinary opportunities, challenges, and concerns, as well as the researcher’s role and positionality in the research process, engaging ethical and decolonial considerations and pathways of action.

Indicative reading:

Geertz, Clifford. The Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays. New York: Basic Books, 1973. Chapters TBC.

Boswell, John, Jack Corbett, Kate Dommett, Will Jennings, Matthew Flinders, R.A.W. Rhodes, and Matthew Wood. “State of the Field: What Can Political Ethnography Tell Us About Anti-Politics and Democratic Disaffection?” European Journal of Political Research 58, no. 1 (2019): 56–71.

Thambinathan, Vinothan, and Elizabeth A. Kinsella. “Decolonizing Methodologies in Qualitative Research: Creating Spaces for Transformative Praxis.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods 20 (2021): 1–9.

Day 4 – Preparing for fieldwork: methods, needs, best practices

This practical, hands-on session addresses the logistical, ethical, conceptual, and personal aspects of preparing for fieldwork. We will explore the fundamentals of entering the field, including defining ‘the field,’ seeking ethical approval, connecting with participants, building relationships, making observations, taking notes, storing data, and choosing methods for diverse forms of engagement. Additionally, we will dedicate time to crafting consent forms and project descriptions.

Indicative reading:

Bliesemann de Guevara, Berit, and Birgit Poopuu. “Preparing for Fieldwork Interviews.” In The Companion to Peace and Conflict Fieldwork, edited by Roger Mac Ginty, Roddy Brett, and Birte Vogel, 65–83. Springer Nature, 2020.

Fujii, Lee Ann. Interviewing in Social Science Research: A Relational Approach. Routledge, 2017. Chapter 2, “Building Working Relationships.”

Andrä, Christine. “Crafting Stories, Making Peace? Creative Methods in Peace Research.” Millennium 50, no. 2 (2022): 494–523.

Day 5 – Embracing the field: working with ‘failures’ and representations

This session will prepare us for the diverse and often unexpected scenarios encountered in field research, exploring strategies, inspirations, and best practices for navigating the accidental and unplanned aspects of the process. We will also focus on identifying themes and narratives within the collected data, with particular attention to the ethical considerations involved in creating representations of others.

Indicative reading:

Fujii, Lisa A. “Five Stories of Accidental Ethnography: Turning Unplanned Moments in the Field into Data.” Qualitative Research 15, no. 4 (2015): 525–39.

Krystalli, Roxani C. “Narrating Victimhood: Dilemmas and (In)Dignities.” International Feminist Journal of Politics 23, no. 1 (2021): 125–46.

This description is subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor

2 Credits

For completion of all work before and during the course, as outlined by the Instructor, and 90% participation and attendance of the course.

2 Additional Credits

Course specific extra assignments. These can include submitting assignments before the course, daily assignments, and/or a final assignment to be completed after the course as decided by the Instructor.