ILT 7203

Applied Qualitative Interdisciplinary Research Methods: Narrative

Spring 2016

Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:45 pm

Course Description

This course provides multiple opportunities to deepen understanding of qualitative research methods on such topics as grounded theory, phenomenological study, case study, content analysis and document analysis in Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching. The course examines various design elements of qualitative research including sampling, data collection and data analysis from various theoretical frameworks. Specific attention will focus on the development of observation, interview skills, focus groups, and recording of data as well as the political and ethical issues in qualitative research.

Course Goals

This semester, this course will focus on narrative inquiry and narrative analysis.  Creswell (2013) states that "narrative research has many forms, uses a variety of analytic practices and is rooted in different social and humanities disciplines" (p.70).  It is a method that begins with experiences, lived and told and has at least seven defining features.  In this course, we will discuss narrative as method and phenomenon, types of narratives (biographical study, autoethnography, life history, oral history), procedures for conducting narrative research, re-storying, and narrative analysis. 

Course Readings

Primary Texts

Clandinin, D.J. & Connelly, F.M. (2000).  Narrative Inquiry: Experience and Story in Qualitative Research.

Clandinin, D.J. (2013).  Engaging in Narrative Inquiry.

Riessman, C.K. (1993).  Narrative Analysis.