Cultural Anthropological Research Methods. courses at ICA
The social sciences and humanities emerged during the modernization of public life, evolving further under the imperative to scientifically organize and manage this modernization. Today, it is impossible to imagine human life without studies in these fields, which have increasingly intertwined with art-related sciences and artistic practices in recent decades. Thus, how can we scientifically approach social reality, including art as an integral part, and what principles and methods should guide us? How do we analyze the data we gather?
Continuing the Research planning and Methodology course, ICA invites you to register for a series of lectures dedicated to its second theme. The title of this sub-course, comprising 8 lectures, is: "Cultural Anthropological Research Methods.
Cultural anthropology offers learners a comprehensive approach to studying culture. Throughout the course, we will delve into methodological tools of cultural anthropology and ethnography, exploring how methodology influences the research process and the resulting findings. Professional videos will aid in facilitating discussions on these topics.
The course aims to familiarize students with tools and methods for collecting research material, particularly during fieldwork. We will cover principles of classification and analysis methodology. This course targets individuals embarking on studies in humanities, particularly cultural anthropology, as well as those in art-related sciences and artistic practices, irrespective of their status within institutional frameworks. By the course's conclusion, participants will:
- Gain knowledge on planning and conducting research, including entry into the field/research environment.
- Learn to select research methods based on nuances of the research environment and the researcher's personality, and how to address obstacles.
- Practice conducting interviews and maintaining diary notes.
- Develop detailed observational skills concerning phenomena, objects, documents, and narratives of anthropological significance.
- Understand how to utilize visual and technical devices for material registration (e.g., recorders, cameras).
- Learn methods for grouping, analyzing, and summarizing collected material.
- Acquire skills to analyze ethnographic data and interpret emerging trends.
- Be familiar with ethical principles in teaching methods and general anthropological research.
- Recognize cultural nuances, patterns, and intercultural sensitivities.
Cultural anthropologist Hamlet Melkumyan will lead this segment of the comprehensive course, developed by Naira Mkrtchyan, a philosophy lecturer at Yerevan State University. Lectures will be delivered in person.
Registration Details:
The registration of participants takes place in advance and is confirmed from the moment of transferring the rent to the specified account. The price of the entire course package is 24,000 AMD. For those who would like to listen to one lecture, they can pay in cash on the spot on the day of the lecture. The price of each lecture is 5000 AMD.
The deadline for applying is March 6.
Brief biography of the lecturer
Hamlet Melkumyan is a cultural expert, candidate of historical sciences. He lectures at the Department of Cultural Studies of Yerevan State University. He works as a researcher at the Cultural Anthropology Department of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography. In 2018-19, he graduated from the UN International School "Project Management for Sustainable Development". He is the co-founder of the NGO "Culture for Sustainable Development", the co-editor of the international scientific series "Working Paper Series on Informal Markets" published by the Department of Cultural Anthropology of the Frobenius University of Frankfurt.
He started his research experience in the field of cultural anthropology in 2008 in Armenia. He worked in international research groups established in different countries. Professional interests and publications relate to the anthropology of the city, the study of social and green movements in Armenia, the informal economy and transitional markets research directions and topics. Recent academic publications are about the anthropological study of informal and state policies towards public spaces in Armenia and Georgia․