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Course Description

Summary

In the information age and the era of fake news, the ability to critically assess empirical research is essential for a sound view of reality. In this introductory seminar, students will gain the tools to understand, evaluate, and conduct empirical research. Students will obtain research skills through active exploration of different research methodologies. First, students will collect qualitative data by learning how to conduct in-depth interviews and participant observation. Students will be trained in data analysis techniques including discourse analysis and grounded theory. In the second part of the course, students will explore quantitative methodologies. Students will collect large sample survey data and conduct a correlational statistical analysis. To understand processes of causality, students will design an experiment and analyze its results. In their research studies, students will be encouraged to examine questions related to the intersection of social categories, such as race, class, gender, and sexuality. By familiarizing students with different research methodologies, students will be better able to design their future research projects as well as become more sophisticated consumers of information.