Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - SA 356W D100

Ethnography and Qualitative Methods (SA) (4)

Class Number: 2760

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 255.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of qualitative field methods, including participant observation, interviewing, archival research, cross-cultural research, life histories, network analysis, mapping, and ethical problems of fieldwork. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Qualitative research methods – ethnography, participant observation, and interviewing – are core data collection and analytical practices for both anthropologist and sociologists. These research skills are also directly applicable for many kinds of employment. This course offers students the opportunity to learn how to employ these and other qualitative methods by engaging in a series of integrated research activities and a real qualitative research project. This class outlines the basic tasks of qualitative field research. Students will learn how to formulate a fruitful question, work through personal and ethical dilemmas raised by field research, and record, analyze, and formally present qualitative findings.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of this course students should be able to:

  • read social science articles and identify the research question(s) and the research methods (described or implicit)
  • articulate general ethical protocols and be able recognize and conduct ethical research
  • be able to practice several different methods of data collection and analysis
  • outline appropriate research strategies for different types of social inquiry
  • explain research question and recruit participants to a study
  • share findings in oral, visual, and/or written forms

Grading

  • 2 ethnographic exercises 30%
  • multi-part term project (life history) 45%
  • (mostly) weekly quizzes 15%
  • class attendance and participation 10%

NOTES:

*SA356W is time demanding class that involves experiential learning. Many of the assignments involve data collection in the community and may include interactions with people who are unknown to you.

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved! Follow Facebook and Instagram pages!

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

- Desmond, Matthew. 2023 Poverty, By America. New York: Crown (in addition to ebook, the publication is available as a print book and audiobook) PROBABLE SELECTION

- Podcasts, videos, journal articles and book chapters (available through CANVAS)

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.