About
The Ethnography Workshop at the University of Illinois is a scholarly community focused on research using ethnographic data collection methods and related qualitative methods, including interviews. Open to all disciplines, the workshop meets three times per semester and offers the following opportunities:
Work-in-Progress Sessions
Scholars are encouraged to submit manuscripts, including articles, dissertation chapters, or book proposals, for review in a supportive setting. Participants offer constructive feedback, engage in discussion, and help authors prepare their work for publication.
Methods Training Series
These sessions offer targeted training in key ethnographic research skills. Topics may include conducting in-depth interviews, coding qualitative data, using analysis software, presenting findings at conferences, and preparing book proposals. Workshops combine practical exercises with expert instruction to build methodological proficiency.
Write-In Sessions
These informal gatherings promote consistent writing habits and enhance productivity in a focused, distraction-free environment.
Visiting Scholar Forum
Guest speakers, including authors of recently published ethnographic works, are invited to present. Sessions may be seminars or informal discussions, allowing participants to engage directly with leading scholars about their research, writing, and career development.
We are a comfortable and supportive environment to explore all that ethnography has to offer. To join our community, send an email request to sociology-ethnography@lists.illinois.edu.
Tentative Schedule 2026-2027
Fall
September 23: Visiting Scholar Forum
October 28: Work-in-Progress Sessions
November 18: Work-in-Progress Sessions
Spring
Date TBD: Methods Training Series
Date TBD: Work-in-Progress Sessions
Date TBD: Work-in-Progress Sessions