Wales: Ethnographic Research Project
Summer 2007 Dates and Fees
Dates: June 11 - July 7
Credits: 6
Program Fee: $3,640
The month-long Wales Ethnographic Research Project offers students the opportunity to conduct hands-on research on one of the most pressing issues of our time—ethnic identity and nationalism. Employing ethnographic research methods (observing and participating in various aspects of the local culture and interviewing local people), students explore various perspectives about what it means to be Welsh. Students will have freedom to tailor their research projects to their particular interests (e.g., art, language, music, politics, cultural symbols, folklore, food, religions, etc.). After the month-long program, students will have a much greater appreciation of the importance of national identity for the Welsh people, and how it affects daily social interation. They will also understand what is involved in ethnographic research (the key approach for cultural anthropologists), and in the process learn much about themselves.
Located in Bangor, Wales, the program’s goal is to immerse students effectively in the local culture in unique and purposeful ways. Students interact daily with informants in natural social settings (e.g., chapels, pubs, parks, markets, restaurants, shops, schools, etc.), and analyze these experiences. During morning class sessions, students report on their interactions and lessons from the previous day, as well as outline their research plans for the following day. The professors and the other students on the program provide feedback. In addition, group excursions help students more fully understand the role that key historical, cultural, and geographic places play in the development and maintenance of ethnic identity. Since Welsh people share a Celtic heritage with the Irish, one excursion will be an overnight stay in Ireland.
Students earn six semester hours of credit. One of the most exciting aspects of such an experientially based program is that it allows students to learn outside the traditional classroom environment by synthesizing new culture, research methods, and analytical skills. Past ethnographic research program participants frequently describe the experience as the highlight of their college career. Student researchers are not required to be proficient in Welsh.
An anthropology professor from Central College will team up with the Central College Wales on-site program director to teach and lead the program.
The program fee includes the following:
- Six semester hours of credit
- Housing accommodation (residence halls at the University of Wales Bangor, which include private rooms/bathrooms and a shared kitchen area)
- Pre-departure advising and consultation
- On-site orientation, advising and oversight with Central College faculty and Wales program director
- Books and articles on Wales and ethnographic research
- Three excursions, which will include (weather permitting) an outdoor experience in the beautiful Snowdonia region, an overnight trip to Ireland, and visits to places of historical significance for Welsh identity
- Logistical support for research (e.g. public transportation aid, photocopying, tape recording equipment, etc.)
- Cultural activities
- International Student ID Card (ISIC)
- Cell phone
Courses:
- ANTH 366 - Ethnographic Field Methods - 3 SH
- ANTH 498 - Research in Anthropology - 3 SH
Airfare and board are not included in program fee.
Deadline for applications: March 1.
For further information about this and other Central College summer programs, call 1-800-831-3629.
