Overview

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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

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.

Kilty, J. M., Felices-Luna, M., & Fabian, S. C. (Eds.). (2014). Demarginalizing Voices: Commitment, Emotion, and Action in Qualitative Research. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press.

Note: We will be using selected readings from this text. A copy is available on-line through the SFU library. This book has not been ordered through the bookstore. If you wish to purchase a copy of the text please contact me directly.

On-line and reserve readings as required

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