SOCI 385 Qualitative Analysis
This course introduces methods used in the collection and analysis of qualitative data including participant observation, field notes, interviews, discourse analysis, media analysis, ethnography, and community-based research. The rationale and theoretical underpinnings of qualitative analysis are examined together with the ethical issues associated with the use of qualitative methodologies. This course is the "qualitative" half of the department's two-term requirement in methods. Both halves give central importance to identifying and developing meaningful research questions, recognizing crucial theory-method linkages, developing research plans, evaluating the credibility of research findings, presenting the results of one's research, and ethics. Substantial community-based service learning fieldwork is required.