Ethnological Specialization and Research Design

This course focuses on central elements of thesis work within ethnology and cultural analysis. On the basis of joint seminars and meetings with the thesis supervisor-to be, the purpose is to support the initial phase of the thesis work, in particular the crafting of research questions, the generation of material, and the choice of theoretical and analytical paths. Prior to the course, participants must select a thesis topic to work with throughout via specific portfolio assignments, which will be presented and discussed during joint seminars and at individual meetings with the allocated thesis supervisor. At the concluding exam (oral exam on the basis of a portfolio, incl. a  synopsis) students must reflect on the work so far, decide on a problem statement, and plan for the next steps, all of which feed directly into the thesis writing.