Beyond Self: Autoethnography and Post-Qualitative Research (ECM220)
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
ECM220
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
5
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
This micromodule introduces students to autoethnography and post-qualitative research methodologies, emphasizing personal experience, reflexivity, and critical inquiry beyond traditional qualitative frameworks. Autoethnography invites researchers to systematically explore personal experiences and narratives to reflect broader social, political, and cultural contexts. Post-qualitative approaches challenge conventional qualitative research paradigms by challenging notions such as ‘data collection’ while emphasizing ethical complexity, relationality, and emergent understandings.
The micro-module will be a combination of online and on-campus activities. The learning activities will include lectures, micro-lectures, reading groups, and customized literature search training tailored for autoethnographic research. There will also be sessions on the art of asking autoethnographic questions and self-determined reflection exercises, offered digitally. The in-person component will consist of a writing retreat. The retreat includes writing workshops with discussions on the ethics of autoethnographic writing, providing participants with the opportunity to develop and refine their autoethnographic writing in a collaborative setting.
Learning outcome
Upon completion, students will:
Knowledge
- Understand core concepts and practices in autoethnography and post-qualitative research methodologies substantively
- Gain familiarity with contemporary theoretical debates surrounding qualitative research practices
Skills
- Apply autoethnographic and reflexive writing practices
- Engage creatively with post-qualitative methodological approaches
General competencies
- Demonstrate critical self-awareness and reflective capacities in research contexts
- Contribute to methodological discussions within qualitative research communities
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
One individual process report | 1/1 | Passed / Not Passed |
One individual process report (1200-1500 words)Course assessment: Pass/Fail
Coursework requirements
- One commentary on a reading of their choice, presented either as a written text (500 words) or as an audio/video recording (2–3 minutes);
- 75% Participation in online sessions (synchronous or asynchronous)
- Participation in the writing retreat (min. 75% attendance)
- Submission of two separate reflections on two different peer commentaries, in either written form (300 words each) or as audio/video recordings (1–2 minutes each).