240008 PS Anthropological Methods (2025S)

The focus of the course is on the practice-oriented application of the methods taught, which are tested, discussed and reflected on in group settings and in individual work. In the individual course units, central methodological concepts and approaches to cultural and social anthropological research (including new digital approaches) are taught and various methodological techniques and tools are tested and deepened in exercises within and outside of the face-to-face units. Reflection and discussion about relevant aspects of the research process (field access, research positioning in the field, ethical considerations, etc.) play a fundamental role.

After attending the seminar, students have basic, practice-oriented knowledge and skills regarding central methods of data collection, data documentation and data evaluation in cultural and social anthropology, and are able to independently apply individual methods in practice.

The focus of the course is on independent testing of research methods. The course is strongly focused on student interaction and participation. The course units consist of the input of the course management, in-depth discussions of the required literature and the independently completed tasks as well as interactive exercises. The theoretical inputs are therefore always tested in practice. Through continuous discussions and feedback loops between the course management and the students themselves, the content and practical experiences in the face-to-face units are discussed and reflected on in detail.