ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces ethnography as an approach to studying religion and religious communities. We begin by describing ethnography in some detail to provide students with an understanding of the process and the issues associated with this particular academic approach within the field of religious studies. Focusing on the types of questions that can be answered using these methods and the benefits and limits of doing fieldwork, students will learn how various ethnographic methods can be used to gain comprehensive understanding of religious people and their communities. The chapter ends with examples of several different types of ethnographic research in religious studies to provide ideas to both faculty and students.
