ED 864 - Qualitative Foundations

Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3
Maximum Credit(s) Awarded: 3

This course introduces the foundations that guide qualitative inquiry, also known as “naturalistic inquiry”. Students will learn about philosophical and epistemological underpinnings of qualitative research, a basic over view of 5 approaches, qualitative methods (specific research tools- e.g., interviews), and qualitative methodology (justification for using a particular research approach or tool).

In addition to providing an overview of qualitative research methodologies, students in this course will have an opportunity to apply theories to practice by designing a qualitative research project. The readings, class discussions, and online activities, will prompt reflection on your identity as a researcher and the complexities involved in qualitative inquiry. Students will explore methodological assumptions, topic selection, research question development, participant selection, relationships with participants, data collection and data analysis methods, validity criteria, and interpretive and representational decisions. The goals of the course are for students to learn criteria by which to evaluate contemporary qualitative research and to gain beginning knowledge and skills for designing and conducting qualitative inquiry.

Offered Fall