Courses

Sociology:

Sociology 5140:  Qualitative Methods (3)  (Offered annually; Fall 2015 instructor: Prof. Corse)

This course is designed as an introductory overview of qualitative research methods. The course begins with a review of the logic of social enquiry and the basis for claiming sociological knowledge. We then consider a variety of analytic and interpretive approaches to sociological research. The methods covered include interviewing, grounded theory, content analysis, field methods/ethnography, and historical and comparative sociology using documentary/archival materials. We will be reading theoretical, didactic and exemplary materials.

 

Curry School of Education:

EDLF 7404: Introduction to Qualitative Analysis: (Taught every semester, although below description comes from the Deutsch syllabus, taught every spring; see syllabus Syllabus_Intro_Qual_EDLF 7404 Spring 2015).

This course serves as an introduction to qualitative research theory and methods.  It is designed to provide an overview of research paradigms as well as to begin to train students in the “tools of the trade.”  The course helps students become familiar with writing up, publishing, and reviewing of qualitative research through qualitative books and journal articles.  Students will put theory and methods to use as they enter the field and practice the methods about which they are reading.  The classes will be a combination of lectures, discussion, and workshops.  The course will culminate in a final paper featuring a write-up of the field project that students will conduct throughout the semester.

EDIS 7840: Discourse Analysis in Education (Taught by Prof. Kibler, Curry School of Education)

This course provides an introduction to qualitative discourse analysis theory and methodology as they relate to classrooms and other educational settings. Readings will provide an overview of discourse analysis approaches used in educational research, with a particular focus on micro-ethnographic and conversation-analytic approaches.  Fieldwork and hands-on analysis of discourse form a significant portion of the course. After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of discourse patterns and discourse analysis methodologies relevant to educational settings to create interpretations of data that you and others have collected.
  • Develop informed arguments about the major trends, debates, and innovations as they relate to discourse and discourse analysis in education.
  • Synthesize information gained from course readings, class discussion, and outside readings on a range of topics related to discourse and discourse analysis in education.

EDLF 7XXX: Mixed Methods Research Design:  (permanent number currently being assigned; taught in fall of even years, e.g. F2014, F2016, etc.; see sample syllabus here Syllabus_MixedMethods_F2014):

This course provides an introduction to mixed methods in social science/educational research. We will consider the types of questions that mixed methods can answer and discuss the benefits/challenges of mixed methods research. We will cover research design, sampling, and analysis, including reading exemplars of mixed methods research. Students will apply the theoretical/methodological tenets learned by designing their own mixed methods study.