Methods in Political Anthropology

The course is intended for non-anthropologists seeking to apply ethnographic methods in data collection and analysis. It integrates methodological questions into questions of analysis and interpretation, from an anthropological perspective. During the course, students will be introduced to anthropological approaches to the political sphere and methods of studying its impact on daily life. Issues of focus will include specific approaches to political ethnography (oral history collection and the analysis of space and place). These will be complemented by in-class comparative discussion of different approaches to political ethnography (textual representation, visual documentation and film, etc). The course will also include an ethnographic assignment to be developed in consultation with students’ interests and needs. Finally, students will be asked to reflect on specific ethical and methodological questions arising from 'applied' anthropological and ethnographic practice.

Course leader

Olga Demetriou International Peace Research Institute Oslo

Target group

Advanced students and junior researchers in political science and adjacent disciplines

Course aim

as above