Students in Anthropology 351, Qualitative Research Methods, study issues of urban problems through the method of urban ethnography. Using classical and contemporary case studies, students perform methods in action, where they replicate these methods by doing participant observation, in-depth interviews and historical analysis of a social concern of interest. This provides an excellent tool to assess skills in research methods and global awareness both for majors and for peace and justice minors.
For the students, it helps them develop an understanding of how the ethnography mirrors the urban environment today, full of perspectives and opportunities to study social justice and inequality. These projects are used to assess students’ performances in the class and the programs. They also serve as writing samples for their academic portfolios, which are often needed for graduate school and other opportunities.
For more information about these projects, contact Erin Robinson, PhD, chair of the Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Department.
Submitted by: Sara Morris, PhD, associate vice president, academic affairs
