Introduction to Autoethnography

Overview:

This live one-day Zoom training course provides participants with an introduction to autoethnography and writing the self. Autoethnography is a powerful methodological approach which combines autobiography and ethnography to explore personal experiences within broader social and cultural contexts. This day serves as an introduction to the theory, practice, and application of autoethnography, inviting participants to engage deeply with their own lived experiences while critically examining the intersections of self and society. Through a combination of presentations, group discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will develop the skills necessary to begin their own autoethnographic inquiries and produce meaningful narratives that contribute to personal growth and scholarly inquiry.

Topics we cover:

· Principles of autoethnography

· Autoethnography: methodology and method

· Types of autoethnography: e.g. critical, evocative, analytical, performative

· Examples of autoethnography and its application

· Autoethnographic practice: from writing the self to crafting the self

· Autoethnography and reflexivity

· Ethics in autoethnography

· Debates and critiques of autoethnography

Who is this course for?

This is a foundational course which is designed for doctoral students, academics and researchers who are new to autoethnography, who are considering using autoethnography in their research, or are in the early stages of conducting an autoethnography. It is beneficial, but not essential, if participants have some prior foundational training or knowledge of qualitative research.

Please note: this is live interactive training with presentations, group activities, group discussions, and opportunities to ask questions. You should be prepared to participate in these and it is helpful to have use of camera and mic on Zoom.

What is included?

- 5 hours of live training on Zoom (inclusive of breaks) with Dr Karen Lumsden who has over 20 years experience in qualitative research and analysis, and in the design and delivery of qualitative research programmes, courses and workshops.

- Group discussions, practical exercise, and opportunities to ask the trainer questions.

- Access to resources including, for example: agenda, slides, resource list, and examples of autoethnography.

- Recording of the presentation sections of the day (accessible for 30 days post course date).

- Certificate of completion

- PDF copy of Karen's co-edited book Crafting Autoethnography

Trainer biography

Dr Karen Lumsden is a qualitative trainer, consultant, and coach. She has held a number of academic posts including Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Aberdeen, Associate Professor in Criminology at Leicester University, and Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham. Over the years she has been involved in a number of research projects and evaluations in social sciences, policing and health, for a range of partners and clients.

She has over 20 years experience delivering qualitative methods courses and training to academics, PhD students, social researchers, and practitioners. This includes courses at the Universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow, Essex, Auckland, Kingston, via the Social Research Association and the European Consortium for Political Research, and also for government departments, NHS, charities, police organisations, social research and market research organisations. She has written and edited a number of books and journal articles on qualitative methods including Crafting Autoethnography (Routledge, 2023) and Reflexivity: Theory, Method, Practice (2019). She was on the Editorial Board of the journal Qualitative Research until 2026.

For more info visit www.qualitativetraining.com or connect on LinkedIn here.

Bookings:

Bookings for this course should be made via Eventbrite. If your organisation requires payment via invoice, please contact me directly to check if this will be possible. I only accept invoice payment when the payment terms are confirmed in writing prior to event date. Email: karen@qualitativetraining.com

Booking and refund policy:

There is a 14 day 'cooling off' period from the date of booking on this course. The refund policy is 100% refund up to 7 days prior to the course date. This does not include the Eventbrite ticket fee which is non-refundable. Less than 7 days before the course date, and the entire course fee is payable.

If the training is fully booked and has a waiting list then transfer to another course or future course date might be possible, however this is at the discretion of the trainer.

Please note that Dr Karen Lumsden delivers a range of courses and training for other providers in addition to these Qualitative Training courses. She takes no responsibility or liability for individuals booking on similar courses or training with other providers which may contain similar or the same course content. Refunds will not be given under these circumstances once the training has been consumed.