Time Schedule:
Kari A Lerum
BIS 410
Bothell Campus
Provides a background for understanding qualitative inquiry. Focuses on ethnographic inquiry and interpretative cultural analysis. Discusses forms of data collection such as observation, participant observation, and interviewing. Also stresses strategies for data analysis and for handling qualitative data.
Class description
Social scientists use several methods of gathering and analyzing information about the social world; this course will focus on the genre of research methods known as qualitative methods. While there are many varieties of qualitative methods, a common goal amongst them is to generate depth (deep understanding of a few cases), as opposed to breadth (shallow understanding of many cases). The qualitative method thought by many to produce the most in-depth understanding is ethnography, where researchers literally walk and live amongst their subjects in an effort to achieve a deep, nuanced understanding. The course will focus on the use of film (photography and/or video) as a means of conducting ethnographic research. You will end the quarter with a grounding in qualitative research methods, hands-on ethnographic experience, and a final product involving either a short video or a photographic essay.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
lecture & group work
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Coursework will a cumulative set of assignments for the purpose of building knowledge about and skills in the practice of visual research
