Qualitative Research Methods

4 credits · Graduate

The interest in qualitative research and especially in ethnography has been growing in the planning and design professions. This interest has not always been matched by in- depth and critical examination of qualitative methodology. This course explores common practices of qualitative research in the social sciences. Students are expected to do field research. The class is designed around an experimental research project in which all students will participate and apply various techniques of data collection and analysis. These include observation, interviewing, mapping, coding, and use of images. Classes, readings, and exercises will approach qualitative methods and techniques critically and interrogate their epistemological assumptions.