Students conducted a field exercise in Cornavin, Geneva, as part of the course ANSO073 Qualitative Field Methods in the Social Sciences, Part II Field Exercise and Peer Discussions.

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About the course:

ANSO073 | Spring | 6 ECTS

This seminar is the second part of the introduction to qualitative field methods in the social sciences that spans over two semesters. The pedagogical approach is based on the assumption that the anthropology and sociology are not meant to discover a pre-existing reality but construct their object in a reflexive movement. Empirical techniques need to be experienced concretely. Building on the main techniques discussed during the previous semester, participants will be asked to conduct a small fieldwork punctuated by practical exercises (writing the field diary, observation and interview notes, coding). In relation to the topic selected, they will be encouraged to contact a variety of actors, including institutions (local associations, municipality and canton's offices, international or non government organizations, etc.). A particular attention will be given to the way researchers negotiate their presence with their interlocutors and how this negotiation influences the information they collect. The seminar will favor discussions where participants share their experience.