Anthropological field method - Architecture, cities and spaces
Description:
Qualitative research methods developed in anthropology are increasingly used among other disciplines e.g. architecture, urban planning and design. But how can anthropological methods contribute to your project, and what are the analytical implications of using such methods? The course will focus on how anthropological field methods can be applied and developed in relation to architecture, housing, city, space and built environments. The course is relevant for you, if you are either planning to do field work /qualitative interviews / participant observation, or have already done so.
The focus will be both on how to design, plan and conduct empirical data collection in the field, and how to process the data and move from field work to the analysis and methodological reflections of your thesis. The specific subjects will be adjusted to the needs and interests of the course participants, but may include discussions about:
- Defining and getting access to the field
- Recruiting informants
- Tips and tricks for qualitative interviews
- Techniques for participant observation
- Field notes and visual registration techniques
- Ethical dilemmas and methodological reflections
- Organizing and analyzing empirical data
The discussions will be based on the course literature and lectures as well as the participants’ presentations of their own projects. Before the course all participants are therefore obliged to send a 3 page synopsis introducing their project’s objective, field site, plan and status of the field work and current methodological considerations.
Lecturers: Professor Claus Bech-Danielsen and research assistant Marie Stender
ECTS: 3
Time: 18-19 December 2014
Place: Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University in Copenhagen.
A. C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 København SV, room 2.1.005
Max number of seats: 10
Deadline for registration: 1 December 2014
Important information concerning PhD courses
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 5,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately three months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.