Critical Social Inquiry 0304 - Autoethnography as a Decolonizing Research Praxis

In this course, our aim is to study the theoretical and methodological approaches involved in autoethnography. Certainly, autoethnography has attracted much attention in the academy with regard to its role in critical social research; scholars and students feel indifferent about it, attracted to it, or repulsed by it. Autoethnography is based upon developments in the field of anthropology for example, understanding the limits of scientific knowledge, the role of interlocutor, and appreciation for personal narrative. It draws from anthropological concerns over the importance of ethics and politics of representation, identity politics and personal experience. Thus, throughout the course, we will discuss how authors and critics of autoethnography products foreground, challenge and problematize the notion of the "Self" in relation to others. We will also work on activities, vignettes, writing prompts and narrative translations tools that students can apply to their research projects. Students must have a final project to participate in this class.

Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Prereq: Students must have a research project to participate in this class. Students are expected to spend 6-8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.