Anthropology Professor how-to

How to Teach Ethnographic Fieldwork Basics

Students learn by observing.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Students learn by observing. In short: explain; pick; teach, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Explain ethics and consent.

  2. Pick a public setting.

  3. Teach note-taking.

  4. Have students observe.

  5. Discuss patterns.

  6. Write short reports.

Safety reminders for anthropology professors

  • Follow fieldwork safety plans
  • Get informed consent
  • Respect cultural heritage laws
  • Protect student privacy

Tenure · Adjunct · Syllabus · Peer review · Office hours · Sabbatical: see the full anthropology professor glossary.

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