This course is intended for students interested in qualitative research in a variety of different academic or professional settings in Social and Political Sciences. The course will provide an introduction to selected qualitative research methods as well as data collection techniques. The aim of the course is to give students the tools to design and carry out individual research projects and policy analysis by testing different research methods and by reflecting on their respective strengths and weaknesses. The course is designed to familiarize students with some of the main qualitative research methods such as case study, content analysis and discourse analysis. We will draw attention to the link between choices of methodology and broader theoretical and conceptual issues. The course will also introduce the students to some of the main qualitative data collection techniques, such as interviews, ethnography, participant observation, focus groups and archival research. Finally, the course will foment awareness and knowledge about the ethical issues in social science research.

Evaluación

The final grade will be determined by several elements.

• Class participation: Class attendance is not mandatory, but the degree of class participation will be graded (15% of the final grade).

•  Research method Report (20%) and Class presentations (15%). During the course students will explore in small groups a particular research method. Working groups will submit before class a Report on a particular research method that will consist on a 600-800 words report reflecting on a method and its application on a concrete case. A presentation of the Research Report of 15-20 minutes will be presented and discussed in class. Both the written and oral exercise will be evaluated on the basis of the students familiarity with the method, insightful knowledge about empirical application and strength and weakness of the method. A practical example of application and its critical consideration should be provided (a research example that used such method). 

•  Short Quiz elaboration (10%). After class presentations the working group will conduct a small quiz of 5-7 questions to be made to the rest of the class (in paper or using online tools such as Socrative, Kahoot…). The quiz quality will be assessed (i.e. clear identification and formulation of key points of the methods presented, clear formulation of questions and answers). 

• Short Quiz responses (15%). The quiz will be considered in small groups and the answers will be registered. The average of the 4 best quiz results will represent 15% of the total course mark.

• Final Essay (25%). An individual essay of max 800 words will be developed by students. Different options will be proposed.