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Ethnographic Approaches to Data Collection in the Field (SPS-WS-RUP-DA-25)

SPS-WS-RUP-DA-25


Department SPS
Course category SPS Workshop
Course type Workshop
Academic year 2025-2026
Term 3RD TERM
Credits 10 (EUI SPS Department)
Professors
Contact Altesini, Sofia
  Course materials
Sessions
Enrolment info 01/03/2026 - 30/06/2026

Purpose

This workshop teaches researchers how to conduct field research using ethnographic approaches which require immersion in a field site. We begin by discussing how researchers can better confront ethical dilemmas which arise during immersive fieldwork, particularly when collecting micro-level data. We also examine a variety of approaches to build relationships in the field site. The second part of the workshop investigates two ethnographic methodologies in depth: semi-structured interviews on sensitive topics – often the most difficult to navigate in the field – and moderate to in-depth forms of participant observation. The final part of the workshop critically examines how we write about our ethnographic insights, in particular the trade-off between providing thick, descriptive accounts and protecting the identity of our research participants.

The full syllabus will be available on this webpage here: https://www.eui.eu/en/academic-units/political-and-social-sciences/seminars-and-teaching. Register for this course

Page last updated on 05 September 2023

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