The accelerating complexity and diversity of urban life has been a central concern of social and cultural anthropology since the early twentieth century. In the context of increasing global interconnectedness, contemporary urban research must address the assemblage of dynamic flows of migration, transportation, ideas, and goods. Anthropological inquiry emphasizes how urban dwellers navigate and respond to multiple, often distant socio-material phenomena that shape their everyday realities.
This course introduces students to key perspectives, concepts, and methodological approaches in urban anthropology. Through fieldwork trips and excursions across Prague, students will engage with various urban environments—such as multicultural neighborhoods, segregated districts, urban “non-places,” green corridors, and infrastructures—through the lens of ethnography. Emphasis will be placed on developing research practices, ethical awareness, and methodological sensitivity in studying the anthropology of the city.
Last update: Lehečka Michal, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.10.2025)
The accelerating complexity and diversity of urban life has been a central concern of social and cultural anthropology since the early twentieth century. In the context of increasing global interconnectedness, contemporary urban research must address the assemblage of dynamic flows of migration, transportation, ideas, and goods. Anthropological inquiry emphasizes how urban dwellers navigate and respond to multiple, often distant socio-material phenomena that shape their everyday realities.
This course introduces students to key perspectives, concepts, and methodological approaches in urban anthropology. Through fieldwork trips and excursions across Prague, students will engage with various urban environments—such as multicultural neighborhoods, segregated districts, urban “non-places,” green corridors, and infrastructures—through the lens of ethnography. Emphasis will be placed on developing research practices, ethical awareness, and methodological sensitivity in studying the anthropology of the city.
Last update: Lehečka Michal, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.10.2025)
Aim of the course -
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
A) Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of urban anthropology, including its key theoretical perspectives, conceptual frameworks, and methodological approaches. B) Apply appropriate fieldwork methods and participant observation techniques within diverse urban contexts. C) Critically evaluate, synthesize, and integrate knowledge generated through anthropological research. D) Analyze and interpret data collected during ethnographic fieldwork using relevant anthropological tools and perspectives. E) Recognize that anthropological inquiry can be both intellectually enriching and methodologically engaging.
Last update: Lehečka Michal, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.10.2025)
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
A) Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of urban anthropology, including its key theoretical perspectives, conceptual frameworks, and methodological approaches. B) Apply appropriate fieldwork methods and participant observation techniques within diverse urban contexts. C) Critically evaluate, synthesize, and integrate knowledge generated through anthropological research. D) Analyze and interpret data collected during ethnographic fieldwork using relevant anthropological tools and perspectives. E) Recognize that anthropological inquiry can be both intellectually enriching and methodologically engaging.
Last update: Lehečka Michal, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.10.2025)
Course completion requirements -
Attendance: One absence maximum
Course grading (50 points maximum) consists of:
Exercises &Homework (50%)
The course combines fieldwork practice and in-class lectures and discussions. Students will conduct various fieldwork & qualitative analysis (4 in total, 5 points each) exercises connected with the participant observation in urban spaces.
Participation (12,5%)
Class will meet once in two weeks. Students should contribute by asking questions, answering questions, or otherwise constructively contributing to class discussions. If they don't participate, they will not earn these points. (maximum 5 points)
Final essay (37.5%)
Reflexive essay referring both to lessons learned during the semester and outcomes of students' fieldwork research (maximum 15 points). Essays submission (via email) due 25 January 2025)
* Grading
40-36 points = A
35-30 points = B
29-23 points = C
Last update: Lehečka Michal, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.10.2025)
Attendance:
One absence maximum
Course grading (40 points maximum) consists of:
Exercises &Homework (50%)
The course combines fieldwork practice and in-class lectures and discussions. Students will conduct various fieldwork & qualitative analysis (4 in total, 6 points each) exercises connected with the participant observation in urban spaces.
Participation (12,5%)
Class will meet once in two weeks. Students should contribute by asking questions, answering questions, or otherwise constructively contributing to class discussions. If they don't participate, they will not earn these points. (maximum 5 points)
Final essay (37.5%)
Reflexive essay referring both to lessons learned during the semester and outcomes of students' fieldwork research (maximum 15 points). Essays submission (via email) due 25 January 2025)
* Grading
44-39 points = A
38-31 points = B
30-23 points = C
Last update: Lehečka Michal, Mgr., Ph.D. (30.01.2026)
Teaching methods -
Methods:
Lectures, discussions, on-site fieldwork research practice, excursions, video-screenings
Moodle page link: https://dl1.cuni.cz/course/view.php?id=14193 (please add a course)
Last update: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (24.06.2025)
Methods:
Lectures, discussions, on-site fieldwork research practice, excursions, video-screenings
Moodle page link: https://dl1.cuni.cz/course/view.php?id=14193 (please add a course)
Last update: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (24.06.2025)
Syllabus -
Fall 2025/2026 semester research topic: Living (with) the city: Attunement and sensing in the urban environment
Course is divided into three modules:
Module 1 - Urban ethnography overview and perspectives
14. 10. 2025
Course introduction, Syllabus details. Qualitative research methods overview. What is Urban Anthropology's position within S & C Anthropology.
Ethnographic fieldwork research methods, reflexivity and ethics (making fieldontes, participant observation, informal interviews etc.).
Reading: Bourgois, P. I. (2003). In search of respect: Selling crack in El Barrio. Cambridge University Press, pp. 19-47.
Module 2 - Fieldwork practice
11. 11. 2025
On-site fieldwork research practice I. - urban space mapping, making fieldnotes (venues to be added)
Pérez Fernández, F. (2023): The Archaeology of Decay: Ruinous Knowledge and the Violence of Urban Planning. American Anthropologist 125, pp. 505-518 (available at: https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aman.13854; Wiley online)
25. 11. 2025
On- site filedwork research practice II.
Reading: Holston, J. (1989). The modernist city: An anthropological critique of Brasilia. University of Chicago Press, pp. 101-143. Chapter: Death of the street
9. 12. 2025
Module 3 - analyzing the data
Analyzing the data created in the field (segmentation, coding, interpretation)
6. 1. 2026
Course wrap-up: discussion of outcomes and sharing experience and knowledge gained
Last update: Lehečka Michal, Mgr., Ph.D. (23.09.2025)
Fall 2025/2026 semester research topic: Living (with) the city: Attunement and sensing in the urban environment
Course is divided into three modules:
Module 1 - Urban ethnography overview and perspectives
14. 10. 2025
Course introduction, Syllabus details. Qualitative research methods overview. What is Urban Anthropology's position within S & C Anthropology.
Ethnographic fieldwork research methods, reflexivity and ethics (making fieldontes, participant observation, informal interviews etc.).
Reading: Bourgois, P. I. (2003). In search of respect: Selling crack in El Barrio. Cambridge University Press, pp. 19-47.
Module 2 - Fieldwork practice
11. 11. 2025
On-site fieldwork research practice I. - urban space mapping, making fieldnotes (venues to be added)
Pérez Fernández, F. (2023): The Archaeology of Decay: Ruinous Knowledge and the Violence of Urban Planning. American Anthropologist 125, pp. 505-518 (available at: https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aman.13854; Wiley online)
25. 11. 2025
On- site filedwork research practice II.
Reading: Holston, J. (1989). The modernist city: An anthropological critique of Brasilia. University of Chicago Press, pp. 101-143. Chapter: Death of the street
9. 12. 2025
Module 3 - analyzing the data
Analyzing the data created in the field (segmentation, coding, interpretation)
6. 1. 2026
Course wrap-up: discussion of outcomes and sharing experience and knowledge gained
Last update: Lehečka Michal, Mgr., Ph.D. (23.09.2025)
Learning resources -
Obligatory:
Hammersley, Martyn Atkinson, Paul. Ethnography : principles in practice. Milton Park, Abingdon: Routledge, 2007, 275 s. ISBN 978-0-415-39605-9.
Recommended:
Bryman, Alan. Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004, 592 s. ISBN 0-19-926446-5.
LeCompte, Margaret Diane Schensul, Jean J.. Designing and conducting ethnographic research. Walnut Creek: AltaMira Press, 1999, 220 s. ISBN 0-7619-8975-7.
Last update: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (24.06.2025)
Obligatory:
Hammersley, Martyn Atkinson, Paul. Ethnography : principles in practice. Milton Park, Abingdon: Routledge, 2007, 275 s. ISBN 978-0-415-39605-9.
Recommended:
Bryman, Alan. Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004, 592 s. ISBN 0-19-926446-5.
LeCompte, Margaret Diane Schensul, Jean J.. Designing and conducting ethnographic research. Walnut Creek: AltaMira Press, 1999, 220 s. ISBN 0-7619-8975-7.
