SOSANT9016 – Writing and method

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

This course is about ethnography in the double sense of the term, as anthropological method to generate and assemble experience, observation and information; and as a distinct form of text - and about how reading, fieldwork and writing relate in ethnography.

During the course, participants will read and discuss selected ethnographic texts, paying attention to methodology and writing style, as well as texts written by the participants. These texts can be chapters of the participants’ theses, or texts specifically written for the course. Participants will act as a discussants for at least one of the other participants’ text. This entails reading and commenting critically on the texts, paying attention to the analytical thrust, the relation between theoretical perspectives and the ethnography, and the style of writing.

The specific methodological issues and writing challenges addressed by the course will vary between iterations of this course.

Learning outcome

The aim of this course is to develop the participants’ skills in ethnographic writing, based on the assumption that anthropological writing begins in the field and is an iterative process, in which method and writing are intertwined. Engaging with published texts, their own writing and their fellow students work, participants will get hands-on experience in writing an ethnographically based research pieces as well as in presenting their own research to a professional audience. At the same time, they will learn to read ethnographic texts with an eye to their grounding in fieldwork, and underlying methodologies.

Admission to the course

This course is for PhD candidates in Social Anthropology. PhD candidates in related disciplines may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

PhD candidates from Department of Social Anthropology should apply via Studentweb

Other PhD candidates in Social Anthropology: apply by webform: https://nettskjema.no/a/546482

The webform will be open between 1 May and 1 September for autumn courses, and between 1 December and 1 February for spring courses.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

You must be admitted to a PhD programme in Social Anthropology to enroll in this course. PhD candidates in related disciplines may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. You may take this course before or after you have finished your fieldwork.

Teaching

The course may be taken several times, but candidates only receive credits for the first completion of the course.

Examination

In order to pass the course, candidates must attend the seminars, hand in written work once during the course, and prepare written feedback for the fellow candidates whose texts they comment on. Instructions and dates for the hand-in will be given in seminar.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 7:18:47 AM

Facts about this course

Level
PhD
Credits
1
Teaching
Spring and autumn
Examination
Spring and autumn
Teaching language
English

Contact

Faculty of Social Sciences