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Regular version of the site

Research Seminar "Digital Anthropology and Organizations"

2017/2018
Academic Year
ENG
Instruction in English
4
ECTS credits
Course type:
Elective course
When:
2 year, 1-4 module

Instructors


Maslinsky, Kirill A.


Таратута Екатерина Евгеньевна

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This seminar is intended for the students interested in qualitative study of social practices in various digital settings. Anthropology is the main disciplinary frame of reference in this seminar. The content and goals of the semiar are threefold. First, we will read and discuss seminal works in digital anthropology to understand the field and to “learn by example”. Second, we will devote some classroom time and home assignments to the training in designing and writing up a research project, with a particular focus on fieldwork in digital environment. And finally, during the course all students will participate in the group research projects on the topic of their choice studying human behavior in some digital environment; we will discuss projects in class at every stage.
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • to understand the field and to “learn by example”
Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • familiarize themselves with the modern anthropological ideas and ethnographic data on the role of various digital media in the social life and acquire skills necessary to fulfil anthropological fieldwork in digital environment
  • being able to use essential tools of ethnography — participant observation and interviews, as well as understanding the specific requirements and limitations of ethnographic fieldwork in the online communities
  • practice academic skills in reading, writing and speaking
Course Contents

Course Contents

  • Introduction: Defining Social Media
  • Ethnographic methods: Fieldnotes
  • Research Project: Formulating research question
  • Reading: Fieldwork in Digital Environments
  • Research Project: Literature Review
  • Ethnographic methods: Participant Observation
  • Reading: Online Communities
  • Research Project: Defining your Field
  • Ethnographic Methods: Interview
  • Research Project: Data Analysis
  • Presentation of Group Projects
Assessment Elements

Assessment Elements

  • non-blocking Project
  • non-blocking Essay
    Recommendations for essay An essay is a written self-study on a topic offered by the teacher or by the student him/herself approved by teacher. The topic for essay includes development of skills for critical thinking and written argumentation of ideas. An essay should include clear statement of a research problem; include an analysis of the problem by using concepts and analytical tools within the subject that generalize the point of view of the author. Essay structure: 1. Introduction and formulation of a research question. 2. Body of the essay and theoretical foundation of selected problem and argumentation of a research question. 3. Conclusion and argumentative summary about the research question and possibilities for further use or development.
  • non-blocking In-class Participation
  • non-blocking Exam
Interim Assessment

Interim Assessment

  • Interim assessment (4 module)
    0.3 * Essay + 0.2 * Exam + 0.2 * In-class Participation + 0.3 * Project
Bibliography

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

  • Lange, P. G. (2014). Kids on YouTube : Technical Identities and Digital Literacies. Walnut Creek, CA: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=666125
  • Underberg, N. M., & Zorn, E. (2013). Digital Ethnography : Anthropology, Narrative, and New Media (Vol. 1st ed). Austin: University of Texas Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=548651

Recommended Additional Bibliography

  • Harrison, A. K. (2014). Ethnography. United States, North America: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.19897453
  • Miller, D. (2016). How the World Changed Social Media. London: UCL Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1257654