This course offers an overview of ethnographic approaches to studying Christian church contexts' practices, beliefs, and ministries. Students will learn the basics of ethnographic research and be introduced to the challenges and opportunities of studying religious communities through our engagement with key and current literature. Throughout the course, we will consider the ethical implications of conducting ethnographic research, including issues of informed consent, participant observation, and confidentiality. We will also explore the challenges of maintaining objectivity and avoiding bias in the research process. By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of ethnographic approaches to studying religious communities and be able to critically evaluate ethnographic research on Christian churches and ministries.
Students will conduct their own small-scale ethnographic research project on a local Christian community or ministry, using the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the course.
- Editing Teacher: Nicole Symmonds