Integration of theory and data analysis

Course goals

• Advanced knowledge of the intersection of ethnographic research with theory building
• Developing the competence of theoretical reflection on fieldwork data
• Critical reflection on the epistemic status of field research
• Translating an analytical approach of ethnographic findings into a feasible thesis design

Content

After students have completed their fieldwork, the main task that needs to go hand-in-hand with writing is the combination of such first-hand research with secondary data (historical, socio-economic, media-based, environmental, legal, etc.), and finally with the larger, more general theoretical questions students set out to answer or the theoretical debate they are addressing. This practical seminar initiates the writing of the M.Sc. thesis, and teaches students how to use their empirical knowledge and secondary materials to develop broader interpretations about their study in a meaningful relationship with the theoretical frame of their research question.

• 80% attendance in seminars (only a maximum of 20% absence is accepted, irrespective of the reasons).
• Handing assignments on time; and
• Obligatory participation in seminars.

There exists no collective possibility to resubmit rewritten essays. Only students who have complied with all commitment policy requirements will be given one additional chance to submit a rewritten paper within three weeks after the course ended.