English 569A: Qualitative Research Methodologies
This course will provide an introduction to qualitative research theories and methodological approaches. Course projects will ask students to both discuss theoretical concepts and to go out into the field and apply them. In addition to covering more general qualitative methods, there will be an emphasis on how rhetorical studies benefits from and contributes to qualitative work (thus, we will overview basic rhetorical theory and consider how rhetorical criticism and qualitative methods might work in tandem). Finally, this course will provide service-learning opportunities for students to collaborate with community partners to create qualitative research projects that contribute to the partner’s work and provide students with concrete research experience. I’m open to working out alternatives for students who are already in the midst of their own qualitative projects.

In a nutshell, this course aims to:

•familiarize students with core theories and approaches for conducting qualitative research

•provide concrete, field experiences for students to practice conducting qualitative research

•introduce students to the various steps and issues involved in conducting qualitative research, including research design, IRB human research protocols, fieldwork, research etiquette and ethics, and data/content analysis.

•engage students in conversations about the strengths and limitations of qualitative research