Department of Sociology
Faculty of Social Sciences
South Asian University
Faculty of Social Sciences
South Asian University
Winter Semester 2012
Tentative Program
Research site:
Sarnath Temple, Banaras, India
Duration:
Duration:
March 31, 2012 to April 7, 2012
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Image Courtesy of Department of Anthropology, Durham University (http://www.dur.ac.uk/anthropology/research/earg/) |
The planned research field trip is part of the Research Methodology course, being offered in the winter 2012 semester. The objective of the research trip is to provide students with hands-on experience of research techniques and procedures−−data collection, analysis, and reporting. During the field work students apply research techniques they learn in their course to the real field. The Department of Sociology believes that the field trip helps students become better producers and consumers of sociological knowledge. The field trip is mandatory and will be supervised by two faculty members. The tentative plan for the trip is as follows:
Pre-departure preparation (the details will be announced in research methodology class):
Pre-departure preparation (the details will be announced in research methodology class):
Discussion with the concerned authorities at the Sarnath Temple.
Each student reads at least one (ethnographic) article on a religious site.
Students identify potential interviewees (officials, visitors, devotees etc.) and prepare an interview checklist.
Students identify types of documents they will collect and analyze.
Students will be divided into different groups to carry out the proposed activities (interviewing, observation, social mapping, and document collection). They will be initially trained in interview and observation techniques in research methodology class, which will later be practiced in the field under supervision.
A two-hour preparation workshop will be held on March 28 2012. Students and faculty members will discus and share final research plans, expectations, and objectives of the field research.
Field activities. Students will be primarily involved in:
Interviewing
Observation
Social mapping/document collection
Field Program
April 1: Students reach Banaras and inspect the site at Sarnath.
April 2 to 5: Intensive field work
Daily activities (April 2 to 5):
8:30 AM to 1:00 PM Field research
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Lunch break
2:00 PM to 3 PM: Finalization of field report
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Review workshop*
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Lunch break
2:00 PM to 3 PM: Finalization of field report
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Review workshop*
*In review workshops, students share their daily experience and plan for the next day’s activities. Two or three students will coordinate the workshops. The review workshops will be held at different places, which will be announced in the field.
April 6 and 7:
City tour;
Final preparation of field notes (typed and/or hand written), which must be handed over to the supervisors.
Departure on the 7th.
Post-field work activities:
Students submit their individual field notes and reflections by April 13th.
Students will practice data analysis in Research Methodology class.
Three groups of students submit group research papers (about 2000 words) by April 30.
Students are encouraged to write individual experience and post their write-ups at the departmental students' blog.
Students will practice data analysis in Research Methodology class.
Three groups of students submit group research papers (about 2000 words) by April 30.
Students are encouraged to write individual experience and post their write-ups at the departmental students' blog.
