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).
Instructor
Feldman