Archives and Ethnography: Research Methods in History and Anthropology of Science

Catalog description

This seminar introduces graduate students working on topics in the history and anthropology of science, medicine, technology, and related areas to core research methods in the field. These include locating, accessing, and working with archival documents from diverse historical periods; engaging and analyzing historical and contemporary material texts and objects; historical and ethnographic interviewing; ethnographic research and participant observation. Drawing from current readings in the history and anthropology of science, we will examine how researchers design and describe their methodological practice, make use of evidence to support their claims, and navigate practical, epistemological, and ethical challenges in historical and ethnographic research. Additionally, the course will support students in identifying funding sources and writing fellowship proposals with particular attention to articulating research questions, designing a research plan, and justifying methodological choices. The course is oriented towards graduate students in History and Sociology of Science and is open to students from other fields interested in historical, ethnographic, or social analysis of science, technology, and medicine.