UMass Boston

Course Overview

Description

This is an introductory course on qualitative research methods. The course aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of social science research methodologies as they relate to the methods that give them effect, to reflect on the ethics and politics of carrying out those research methods in practice, and to inculcate the critical capacity to conduct qualitative research and analysis in an ethical manner. Particular emphasis is placed on the concepts of cultural diversity and power, and their implications for design and method choices as well as stakeholder participation in research and evaluation. 'Cultural diversity' refers to differences among (groups of) individuals with respect to ethnicity, race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability/health, socio-economic status, and other dimensions. The course is intended to help students reach an understanding of how different qualitative research methods can best be used to reach their objectives in diverse contexts, depending on the underlying purpose of the research endeavor. It therefore focuses on the conception, design and implementation of qualitative studies that seek to understand theoretical and practical issues in public policies pertaining to culturally diverse populations.