CRIM 3821: Socio-Ethnographic Research Methods
Students examine the ways social scientists employ qualitative research to identify, document and critically analyse complex social phenomena and patterns and practices of interaction. Students design, conduct preliminary research on, and execute a research project of their own, based on a topic of their choosing.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the theoretical orientations that underlie qualitative methods in the social sciences;
- Identify and engage in a reflexive practice with the kinds of questions which have been and can be addressed fruitfully with qualitative research;
- Conduct the preparatory research and literature reviews required for project proposals;
- Apply qualitative research methods and the skills to initiate, conduct, and write-up small research projects.
Course topics
- Module 1: Key Concepts and Approaches in Qualitative Research
- Module 2: Engaging the Research Field
- Module 3: Reading and Understanding a Case Study
- Module 4: Doing Research
- Module 5: Data Recording, Analysis, and the Writing of Research Findings
Required text and materials
Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:
- Duneier, M. (2000). Sidewalk. New York, NY: Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780374527259 / 9781466833036
NOTE: This item can be purchased directly from the following link.
- Hesse-Biber, S. N. (2017). The practice of qualitative research. (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9781452268088 / 9781506333458
NOTE: This item can be purchased directly from the following link.
Assessments
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory project.
| Assignment 1: Qualitative Research Essay Questions | 10% |
| Assignment 2: Interview or Photo Montage Option A: Conduct a Semi-Structured Interview Option B: Photo Montage |
10% |
| Assignment 3: Reflexive Essay on Duneier’s Sidewalk | 15% |
| Assignment 4: Research Proposal | 15% |
| Assignment 5: Field Notebook | 20% |
| Final Project * | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
* Mandatory
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
