Capture stories with visual ethnography

Visual Ethnography in Social Science

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About this course

This course offers a theoretical and practical program in which we explore how the making of
documentaries can enrich ethnographic research within a variety of social science disciplines.
The genre of ethnographic filmmaking is central to the course, but additionally we will discuss
the use of photography, arts-based engagement ethnography, and participatory action
research. We will dive into the various ways of visualizing people, behaviour, and societies.
The course provides a basic introduction to the history of visual ethnography and its broad
usage across different disciplines. Additionally, there will be discussions about issues of visual
ethnographic research ethics and reflexivity. There will also be the possibility for students to
discuss how visual ethnography can be integrated in their own research.
This visual ethnography course will provide interesting literature suggestions combined with
lectures, guest lectures, interactive working groups and group assignments. To get an idea of
what visual ethnography entails, we will watch ethnographic films followed by reflection and
discussion. Two assignments will be conducted in groups of three students and are graded
with a pass/fail. Through these assignments, the students will get acquainted with the
practice of collecting visual data, montage of an ethnographic scene, and reflection on ethical
and reflexive issues. The final assignments consist of a short ethnographic film based upon a
short qualitative research and an accompanying short essay. It is important students already
have some basic skills in conducting in-depth interviews, observation, and/or ethnographic
fieldwork. For assignments, essay and final ethnographic film students can choose a topic of
their own interest. The final film is made in a group and has to be done on the days there are
no lectures or working groups.

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Course level

Master

Contact hours

Language

English

Tuition fee

€765 - €1360

Learning objectives

During this course, students will:
• Receive an introduction to the history and theory of visual ethnography within social
science research;
• learn about different visual research methodologies that can be embedded within
ethnographic research across disciplines;
• Gain an understanding of the advantages and limitations of visual ethnography;
• Learn how to screen, analyse and discuss ethnographic films;
• Collect visual data and learn the basics to make an ethnographic film;
• Enhance their critical thinking of reflexive and ethical dilemmas around visual
ethnographic research;
• Discuss how visual ethnography can be used within their own research.
About the course lecturers

Lianne (A.L.) Cremers is a visual and medical anthropologist, who works as an assistant professor at the Department of Organization Sciences, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her research focuses on human responses to infectious diseases, notably tuberculosis and COVID-19. In her work, she aims to assess collaborative governance and sense-making processes around health crises and how these are deeply entangled with embodied experiences, societal resilience, and structural violence. With her use of visual methods, she has made several ethnographic films about her research: https:⁠/⁠/vimeo.com/user69279402
Cato Janssen is a visual and organizational anthropologist, who works at the Department of Organization Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Department of Political Science at the University of Antwerp. Her research focuses on collaborative governance and the importance of participatory practices in engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering a resilient approach to adversity. With her work and specifically her ethnographic films, she aims to improve the visibility of the emotional and social struggles faced by vulnerable groups in times of crisis.
Megan van der Vorst is an anthropologist specialized in organizational ethnography, who works as a research associate and PhD-candidate at the Department of Organization Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her current research focuses on organizational trauma and healing in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, particularly its long-term impact on vulnerable groups like secondary school students and long term care facility workers. She examines how organizational structures and practices, especially those that create high-pressure environments, contribute to stress-related absenteeism and other challenges for employees. Looking ahead, Megan’s PhD research will delve into the organizational science of work stress, aiming to help organizations identify and address the sources of stress within their structures. By doing so, she seeks to enable organizations to proactively support the well-being of their employees, ultimately enhancing overall organizational resilience.
Preliminary syllabus

Please find the preliminary syllabus for summer 2023 here.
^{*Please note that this year's preliminary syllabus will be uploaded here in March 2025. Note that it will be preliminary and that it still might be subject to change.}