Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - SA 856 G100

Qualitative Sociological Research Methods (5)

Class Number: 4832

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines approaches to qualitative methodology and research design in Sociology and Anthropology including epistemological and ethical debates surrounding the practice of qualitative methodology and research design in diverse contexts. Students will investigate research methods applicable to their graduate research projects. Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course covers various methods and challenges of qualitative research in the social sciences,
focusing on sociological methods. A primary goal of the course is to critically and reflexively
assess these methods with regard to their assumptions, contributions and limitations. Particular
focus will be placed on: the theoretical and epistemological foundations on which qualitative
methods are built; ethical issues; observation and participation in field research; interviewing;
focus groups; critical, participatory, and emancipatory and emergent creative methodologies;
analysis and interpretation of data; and the writing of qualitatively-based accounts.
This course will have two main components: (1) understanding key theoretical, ethical, and
philosophical ideas and critically analyzing selected studies, controversies and ongoing debates
in the field; (2) developing skills in various methods and the completion of an original research
project. By undertaking a small research study, students will gain practical experience and the
opportunity to work through ethical and methodological issues of design, implementation,
coding and analysis.

Grading

  • Critical Response Assignment 20%
  • Project Proposal 15%
  • Student Led Field Notes Seminar 15%
  • Final Research Project 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Emerson, R.M., R.I. Fretz, and L.L. Shaw. 2011. Writing Ethnographic Fieldnotes, 2nd ed.
Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Holstein, J.A. and J.F. Gubrium. 1995. The Active Interview. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage
Publications.

Prus, R. 1996. Symbolic Interaction and Ethnographic Research: Intersubjectivity and the Study
of Human Lived Experience. New York: State University of New York.

Additional required course readings will be available through Canvas.

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:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS