Hybrid ethnography

This course introduces some of the core online and in-person methods necessary to undertake an ethnographic approach in social science research in an ever-changing and uncertain world. Being both conceptual and practical, during the sessions you will be guided on the concepts underpinning these methods, the preparation necessary for undertaking them, as well as having the chance to try some out for yourselves! The third day is focusing on practicing ethnographic writing and comparing the techniques of writing in cultural and social anthropology. 

The sessions are run by Freya Hope and Wesam Hassan. Both are late stage Oxford DPhil students in social anthropology who, between them, have a range of research and teaching experience, including in hybrid methods.  

The first day will focus on ethnographic interviewing. Attendees will first learn why social scientists from across different disciplines value this approach. They will then explore what considerations are necessary prior to, during, and after undertaking interviews. After this, they will learn how to practically prepare to conduct them. Course attendees will also design their own interview questions and will try out being interviewers and interviewees during both face-to-face and digital interviews. We will end by coming together and comparing and reflecting on these experiences and how to capitalize on the potential of each medium, whether online or in-person, to maximize the benefits of ethnographic interviews. 

The second day will focus on participant observation, the key ethnographic method. Again, attendees will be introduced to conceptualizations and applications of this method for contemporary social science research. After being briefed on how to undertake this kind of research method, attendees will practice conducting in-person participant observation in selected venues in Oxford city, and online. Again, attendees will have the opportunity to come together and discuss these experiences at the end of the session. They will have a dedicated session to discuss ethical concerns in conducting ethnographic research and CUREC guidelines.

The third day will focus on principles of ethnographic writing. The participants will practice writing ethnographic vignettes based on their participant observations and notes taken in the first two days on the workshop. They will learn about the different styles in ethnographic writing and have a chance to review the ways in which ethnographic writing differs in both cultural and social anthropology. Again, attendees will have the opportunity to come together and discuss these experiences at the end of the session.

On completion, you will have gained a basic understanding of the theory underpinning some core hybrid ethnographic methods. You will also have gained practical experience in preparing, undertaking and reflecting on these processes.

Objectives

1. Acquire a basic understanding of the theory underpinning some core ethnographic methods
2. Receive an overview on how to prepare to undertake ethnographic research
3. Gain practical experience of conducting hybrid research 
4. Learn how to begin comparing and reflecting on the process and value of different hybrid ethnographic methods 
5. Learn principles of ethnographic writing and compare the techniques both in social and cultural anthropology

Pre-requisites 
To have access to a laptop that can connect to the internet and that you can bring to class.
Bring your own headphones to the class.
To join Facebook prior to the class.
 

Trinity Term 2024

Part 1 - 10 June 2024, 10:00 - 15:00

Part 2 - 13 June 2024, 10:00 - 15:00

Part 3 - 14 June 2024, 10:00 - 15:00

 You must be available to attend ALL sessions

To Book

Apply here

Booking process

When your application is received, you will be emailed a link and then have 48 hours to complete a pre-workshop form requesting additional information. If you do not meet this deadline, your application will be cancelled. 

See our full Terms and Conditions below

If you have specific circumstances which may affect your engagement with this event, or your meeting our Terms and Conditions, please continue with your booking and contact us by email to discuss how we can support you: researcherdevelopment@socsci.ox.ac.uk