Field Methods

1 Unit · Graduate

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the world of qualitative research so that they will be able to read qualitative studies intelligently, and learn to design and conduct qualitatively oriented studies themselves. Beginning with an overview of the epistemological assumptions behind different kinds of research, the course will explore various types of qualitative research approaches and the kinds of topics and queries they support. Students will read and critique examples of published research of various kinds. Next, students will investigate the various methods of collecting qualitative data. The class is designed so that students simultaneously read about and discuss qualitative research, and gather data themselves. Although the course touches on analysis, the main focus is on developing a qualitative research project and collecting data for it.