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ANTH455: ETHNOGRAPHY
Andrews University Jordan Field School Edition | Summer 2014
Instructor:
Office:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Kristen Witzel
Buller 204a
witzel@andrews.edu
By appointment
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
None. All required readings will be provided or available in the library.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introduction of ethnography as a method for gathering data about human social interactions and
communities. Overview of various ways of doing ethnographic fieldwork within and beyond the
discipline of anthropology. Examples of ethnography in international development, business and
government will also be covered.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
 Explain what is meant by the concepts of “ethnography” and “participant
observation,” “emic” and “etic” perspectives, and why these are important to
understanding the process of doing anthropological fieldwork in contemporary
cultures.
 Discuss the pros and cons of various methods of ethnographic fieldwork and acquire
some personal experience with at least three different methods
 Explain what is meant by “indigenous knowledge” and be able to give examples of
such knowledge based on observations of a particular cultural context during travel.
 Discuss human subject protection issues as it pertains to anthropological fieldwork
among non-Western peoples.
 Discuss lessons learned from this course in terms of self-understanding, sense of life
mission, and future plans
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
This course is offered in connection with the Jordan Field School. Instruction includes
preparatory readings and lectures, videos, and project assignments requiring library research,
observation and writing.
The anticipated time required for a 3-credit course is 135 hours. The hours are broken
down as follows:

Pre-trip lectures: 10 hours
January 17-April 18; 12:30-1:30pm
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

JFS lectures & Field work: 40 hours
Readings: 45 hours

Written Assignments: 40 hours
TOTAL: 135 HOURS
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE
Attendance and active participation at all preparatory sessions and in-tour lectures and
discussions is required and will be monitored.
SHORT TOPIC ESSAYS AND PRESENTATONS (3)
In consultation with your instructor, choose 3 of the topics below to write essays on. Each
paper should be approximately 1000 words. You will present each of your selected topics
during our meetings in Jordan.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
Orientalism
Home & homeland
Indigenous knowledge
Little traditions: water, hospitality, fluid homeland, residential flexibility, mixed economy,
tribalism, honor & shame
Gender issues in the Middle East
Ethics and human research in the Middle East
Jordan and the contemporary Middle East
Religion and minorities
Semiotics
ETHNOGRAPHIC FIELD EXPERIENCE
You will be assisted by your instructor in coming up with a fieldwork project that is doable
in the few days that you are visiting Jordan. The project will be carried out under close
supervision by your instructor. You will be required to submit a written report on your
experience. Minimum 1500 words or 6 pages.
LESSONS LEARNED ESSAY
What have you learned from taking this course? Write an essay describing what you have
learned from completing the requirements of this course. Include your reactions to course
requirements and any recommendations for improving the course. Minimum 3 pages.
COURSE POLICIES
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
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Students are expected to uphold a high standard of academic integrity. Academic dishonesty
will not be tolerated, and will be addressed according to university. Instructors reserve the
right use plagiarism software to check assignments at their discretion. Read the academic
policiy here:
http://www.andrews.edu/cas/chairperson/academic_dishonesty_form__policy.pdf
CULTURAL SENSITIVITY
When interacting with Jordanians, students are expected to be culturally sensitive to
Jordanian traditions and Islamic beliefs. It is strictly prohibited to engage in drinking or
sexual activity with locals. Students are expected to dress modestly by local standards and
refrain from using profanity. Proselytizing to Muslims is against the law in Jordan. Students
should be a witness to their faith through their lifestyle, friendship, and interactions with
others. Ethical research practices should be used while conducting field work, including
obtaining consent and reducing risks to human research participants.
GRADING
Item
%
Attendance and participation (including
orientation, lectures
& field activities)
Short essays & presentations
Mini Ethnography
Lessons learned essay
Homework
Total
15
A
AB+
B
B-
93-100%
90-92.99%
87-89.99%
83-86.99%
80-82.99%
C+
C
CD
F
45
30
5
5
100
77-79.99%
73-76.99%
70-72.99%
66-69.99%
0-65.99%
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