REL 20.08 Ethnography and Religion

This course introduces students to ethnographic methodologies for the study of contemporary religion. We will read ethnographic case studies of religious communities alongside texts on methodology and research ethics. Students will practice the methods they are studying in class by conducting research on topics of their choice. “Mini-ethnography” assignments will introduce students to participatory observation, field note coding, interviews, photo and video documentation, and using empirical findings to construct compelling written narratives/arguments. Throughout the course, we will debate the ethical dilemmas that remain at the center of ethnographic research on religion (e.g. positionality, consent, power dynamics, decolonial and feminist praxis).

Degree Requirement Attributes

Dist:TMV

The Timetable of Class Meetings contains the most up-to-date information about a course. It includes not only the meeting time and instructor, but also its official distributive and/or world culture designation. This information supersedes any information you may see elsewhere, to include what may appear in this ORC/Catalog or on a department/program website. Note that course attributes may change term to term therefore those in effect are those (only) during the term in which you enroll in the course.

Department-Specific Course Categories

Religion