AN2012:04
Anthropological Research Techniques
Townsville, Cairns
HECS Band 1
26 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials. Semester 2.
Staff: Dr M Fuary (Cairns campus).
This subject focuses upon the methodologies, techniques and issues involved in anthropological research and writing. The subject critically examines the theoretical and political dimensions of various research and writing strategies as well as providing the student with a ‘hands-on’ experience of anthropological techniques and of some of the technology employed by anthropologists in ‘field’ situations.
Learning Objectives:
- identify the requirements, conditions and issues associated with the implementation and management of a research project including location selection, field entry and the maintenance of field relations;
- identify and outline anthropological research strategies for recording, analysing and managing data;
- use computer software to enhance the management, analysis and production of data;
- critically discuss the theoretical, political and ethical issues associated with anthropological research and writing;
- discuss the major textual genres and devices used in the production of a variety of anthropological texts including ethnographies, reports and research proposals;
- operate a variety of equipment employed in anthropological research. This equipment includes tape recorders, transcribers, cameras, video recorders, global positioning system receivers, computers, etc.
Assessment by journal maintenance (20%); minor project (25%); computing exercises (20%); major project (35%).