Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, students shall be able to:
- display basic knowledge about various research methods used in anthropology
- apply various anthropological methods in studies relating to Japan using Japanese (in such forms as the observation, the survey and the interview)
- formulate a functioning research question and design a feasible research project to answer it
- discuss the ethical implications of anthropological research
- analyze quantitative data with computer-based tools
- critically evaluate their own research and that of their peers.
Course Content
Anthropology is the study
of humankind, and its subfields (e.g., social/cultural anthropology, linguistic
anthropology, physical anthropology, and archaeology) cover various aspects of
what make us human. In this course, students get acquainted with various methods and
theories used in this field, and get the opportunity to reflect over how
these can be applied to the study of Japanese culture and society.
The seminar topics include the relationship between theory and method, defining researchable questions, research ethics, participant observation, sensory ethnography, writing fieldnotes, interview techniques (unstructured, semi-structured, structured), transcription, sampling, designing questionnaires, coding data, data analysis, research proposal evaluation criteria, peer review processes, interpersonal relations with fieldwork interlocutors, and other methodological topics such as oral histories, life histories, censuses, focus group interviews, and archival research.
The seminar topics include the relationship between theory and method, defining researchable questions, research ethics, participant observation, sensory ethnography, writing fieldnotes, interview techniques (unstructured, semi-structured, structured), transcription, sampling, designing questionnaires, coding data, data analysis, research proposal evaluation criteria, peer review processes, interpersonal relations with fieldwork interlocutors, and other methodological topics such as oral histories, life histories, censuses, focus group interviews, and archival research.
Assessment
Grades will be based on class performance, written assignments, a final paper (a research proposal), and an oral presentation of the final paper.
Forms of Study
The course is taught
in English and Japanese. Teaching takes the form of lectures, group
discussions, and various online activities.
Grades
The Swedish grades A–F.
Reporting of grades:
- Module 1: Seminars and assignments (10 credits)
- Module 2: Final paper (5 credits)
Prerequisites
- Japanese III: Language Proficiency, 15 credits, Japanese III: The Modern Short Story, 7.5 credits, Japanese III: Reading Manga, 7.5 credits, and Modern Japan: Culture and Society, 7.5 credits