Students
ANTH3024 – Ethnographic Research Methods
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Banu Senay
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including 20cp from ANTH units
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
10cp from ANTH units at 3000 level
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
What tools do anthropologists use to study human lives and to obtain as holistic a picture as possible of a particular social group, setting, situation or institution? This unit introduces the practical, methodological, and ethical dimensions of ethnographic research methods. The primary goal of the unit is to teach students how to conduct ethnographic research. Over the session students engage in first-hand research projects where they regularly participate in and observe a social setting of their own choosing. Students learn a range of anthropological research methods under the guidance of an experienced staff member, applying this knowledge to their study. Students have opportunities to share their fieldwork experiences with each other, discuss methodological issues and workshop concerns raised by their own studies. Students will also read from several classic ethnographies to develop an understanding of the intimate relationship between the practices of ethnographic research and writing. Students will craft an ethnographic account of their chosen research field. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Design and implement a research project using ethnographic methods.
- ULO2: Identify and use a variety of qualitative research methods, such as interviewing, unobtrusive observation, participant observation, and visual methods.
- ULO3: Prepare a research proposal and literature review for a feasible ethnographic study.
- ULO4: Communicate anthropological insights via ethnographic writing.
- ULO5: Discuss and apply field research techniques relevant for employment as a social researcher.
General Assessment Information
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (including essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc).
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal | 25% | No | 29/03/2026 | Individual | No | Open |
| Ethnographic project | 50% | No | 05/06/2026 | Individual | No | Open |
| Presentation | 25% | No | Week 12 | Individual | No | Open |
Research proposal
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: 29/03/2026
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
1200 word research proposal describing an ethnographic research project
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and implement a research project using ethnographic methods.
- Identify and use a variety of qualitative research methods, such as interviewing, unobtrusive observation, participant observation, and visual methods.
- Prepare a research proposal and literature review for a feasible ethnographic study.
Ethnographic project
Assessment Type 1: Experiential task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
2500 word essay presenting findings from an original ethnographic study
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and implement a research project using ethnographic methods.
- Identify and use a variety of qualitative research methods, such as interviewing, unobtrusive observation, participant observation, and visual methods.
- Prepare a research proposal and literature review for a feasible ethnographic study.
- Communicate anthropological insights via ethnographic writing.
- Discuss and apply field research techniques relevant for employment as a social researcher.
Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
An oral presentation based on an ethnographic research project
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and implement a research project using ethnographic methods.
- Communicate anthropological insights via ethnographic writing.
- Discuss and apply field research techniques relevant for employment as a social researcher.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- Academic Success for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
ANTH3024 is run in an interactive seminar mode.The weekly 2-hour seminars sessions are designed to foster active learning and collaboration among participants by moving beyong passive listening and encouraging engagement, discussion, and practical application of knowledge.
Unit Schedule
This unit is scheduled to run on Mondays, 12-2 pm.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook