Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - CRIM 864 G100

Research Methods V: Advanced Qualitative Methods (3)

Class Number: 1652

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 862, or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced topics, issues and techniques in qualitative research methods in criminological and socio-legal research. Subject matter will vary according to instructor interests and specialization. Specific areas of concentration may include: field research; participatory action research; qualitative research and the digital revolution; research ethics; historical methods.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course assumes completion of Crim 862 at SFU or its equivalent meaning that students will enter the class with a theoretical, practical, and critical understanding of qualitative research, and a working knowledge of qualitative data collection and analysis including the use of NVivo software. This course will focus on field-based research and students will conduct an original research project that involves engagement with human participants. The primary outcome of the class is to enhance your qualitative research methods skills and to address, at an advanced level, some of the challenges faced by qualitative researchers including ethical considerations, emotionality in research, honouring participant voices, and conducting credible research.

The structure of the class has been specifically designed to encourage active participation. Much of our in-class time will be spent talking about your research projects and the issues that arise as you engage in the research process. We will meet in person for the first half of the term and will meet individually (in person or virtually) for the second half of the course. We will meet again in person at the end of the term for a symposium to share your project findings (date TBD early in seminar).

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop, at an advanced level, theoretical, practical, and critical understanding of qualitative research
  • Explore, at an advanced level, issues in qualitative research (e.g., ethical considerations, emotionality in research, honouring participant voices, reflexive research practices, and conducting credible research)
  • Develop coding and analytic skills and expertise with NVivo software
  • Design and conduct an original field-based research project (i.e., propose research project, obtain ethics approval, collect and analyze data)
  • Prepare a written report that demonstrates understanding of research processes and presentation of qualitative research findings
  • Further develop writing and presentation skills commensurate with graduate level work

Grading

  • Research Proposal/Ethics Application 0%
  • Weekly Seminar Contributions (synchronous/asynchronous) 10%
  • Midterm Reflection Assignment 10%
  • Symposium Presentation 20%
  • Final Project 60%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Skloot, Rebecca. (2010). The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. New York: Broadway Publishers.

Note: This book has not been ordered through the bookstore. It is readily available at most bookstores, through online book providers (including e-formats) and is likely available at your local library.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: a practical guide. SAGE Publications Ltd.

A selection of on-line and reserve readings as required


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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.