Syllabus

University of Northern Iowa
Department of Communication Studies

48C:286:05 Studies in Comm. Research Methodology: Qualitative Spring 2001

Instructor: Dr. Joyce Chen                                                     Office Hour: TTh 2:00-4:30pm
                                                                                                        or by appointment
Office: 206 EST
Office Phone: 32574
Class meeting times: M 6:00-8:50pm

Required Textbook:

    Maxwell, J.A. (1996). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach. Thousand Oaks: Sage. [Maxwell]
    O’Brien, J.A., & Kollock, P. (1998). The production of reality: Essays and readings on social interaction (2nd ed.). Pine Forge Press. [O’Brien]

Reference List

    Geertz, C. (1973). Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight. The interpretation of cultures. New York: Basic Books.
    Spradley, J.P., & Mann, B.J. (1975). The cocktail waitress: Woman's work in a man's world. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Course Objectives:

This course will first focus on the design of qualitative research, and then introduce different kinds of qualitative approaches. According to individual interests, major area, and research topic, you may choose one or two approaches for your final project. By the end of this term, you will:

--gain knowledge about the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods;
--gain basic knowledge about a variety of qualitative approaches;
--understand the theoretical background of ethnography and be familiar with the techniques of collecting qualitative research data;
--be able to develop a methodological perspective for your thesis or final project.

Course Organization:

Since my teaching philosophy is to promote students' learning processes, I will accommodate your learning needs based on your individual research background. The course will not be difficult but it needs substantial work to achieve the objectives mentioned above. The class time will mainly contribute to the discussions of theories and the exercises of data collection. Assigned readings, leading discussions, and individual conferences will be emphasized throughout the semester. Due to the fact that you need to complete your research paper by the end of the semester, you have to make sure what research topic you are going to work for your thesis or final project. Please discuss with your adviser about your topic and methods.

"The University of Northern Iowa is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Institution. Students with disabilities and other special needs should feel free to contact the professor privately if there are services or adaptations which can be made to accommodate specific needs."

Grading:

Grading for each assignment and exams will be as follows:

Attendance/Participation	10%
Leading Discussion	10%
Quiz x 2	20%
Participant Observation	10%
Interviewing	10%
Final Paper	30%
Final Presentation	10%
Total	100%

The grades will be weighted by the percentages shown above and combined to result in your final course grade. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date, unless otherwise stated. The grading will not be hard as long as you complete all the assignments. However, before giving you the final grade I need to make sure that you achieve the objectives of this course.

Attendance:

Since each class lasts for about three hours, any absence from the class more than once during the semester without legitimate reasons may result in a half of letter grade deduction.

Quizzes:

There will be two open-book quizzes that will examine your knowledge about the design and theoretical bases of qualitative research methodologies.

Leading Discussion:

Select one of the chapters from the book "The Production of Reality" and prepare for class discussion. The purpose of leading discussion is to learn qualitative methods by reading existing research papers. It will be an oral report in class. You may select one chapter from the book "The Production of Reality" or Reference List. The requirement of leading discussion will be described in class.

Written Assignment:

There will be three assignments. The two short assignments help you practice qualitative research techniques. The final paper requires you to write a paper that can be developed to your thesis or final paper for fulfilling the degree requirement, or a manuscript for submission to journals or conferences. You will get a handout for each assignment.
1. Participant Observation: (3-5 pages double-spaced)
2. Interviewing: (3-5 pages double-spaced)
3. Final Paper: (12-15 pages double-spaced)

Tentative Schedule:

Week 1 (1/8): Syllabus
Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Theoretical basis of qualitative communication studies

-- Symbolic Interactionist perspectives
-- The social construction of reality (Berger & Luckmann)
-- Discussion of research ideas

Week 2 (1/15): Holiday -- No Class

Week 3 (1/22): Conceptualization & Research Questions
What is Real? [O’Brien]
Readings: Ch. 1-4 [Maxwell]

Week 4 (1/29): Qualitative research design
                        Themes and Perspectives in Social Psychology (pp. 13-39) [O’Brien]
                        Readings: Ch. 5-7 [Maxwell]
                        Discussion of individual research project

Week 5 (2/5): Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research
                        Textual Analysis & Content Analysis
                        That Powerful Drop (p. 40) [O’Brien]
                        Body Ritual among the Nacirema (pp. 41-44) [O’Brien]
                        Readings: Ch. 6 [Maxwell]

Week 6 (2/12): Quiz #1
                        Participant Observation
                        Shared Meaning as the Basis of Humanness (pp. 57-78) [O’Brien]
                        Assignment 1: participant observation

Week 7 (2/19): Ethnographic Field Strategies
                        Thought and Word (pp. 85-94) [O’Brien]
                        Mindfulness and Mindlessness (pp. 119-123) [O’Brien]
                        The Social Lens (pp. 124-135) [O’Brien]
                        Assignment 1 Due
                        -- Critique of observation reports

Week 8 (2/26): Qualitative Interviewing
                        Meaning is Negotiated through Interaction (pp. 157-174) [O’Brien]
                        Becoming an Marihuana User (pp. 175-182) [O’Brien]
                        The Development of Feeling Norms Underlying Romantic Love among
                                    Adolescent Females (pp. 191-210) [O’Brien]
                        Assignment 2: interviewing

Week 9 (3/5): Write Qualitative Research Proposals
                        Ethical Issues & Human Subjects Review
                        Readings: Ch. 7 [Maxwell]
                        Assignment 2 Due
                        -- Critique of interview reports
                        Assignment 3: final research paper

Week 10 (3/19): Spring Break—No class

Week 11 (3/26): The Arts of Impression Management (pp. 212-226) [O’Brien]
The Self, the I, and the Me (pp. 298-302) (Joyce)
Looking Glass Self (pp. 303-305) [O’Brien] (Joyce)

Week 12 (4/2): Quiz #2
The Production of Selves in Personal Relationships (pp. 306-318)
Building and Breaking Reality (pp. 369-378) [O’Brien]

Week 13 (4/9): Five Features of Reality (pp. 379-393) [O’Brien]
                        Wrestling Contradictions in Everyday Life (pp. 461-485)
                        Practices of Truth Finding in a Court of Law: The Case of Revised Stores
                                    (pp. 534-545) [O’Brien]

Week 14 (4/16): Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight. [Geertz]
Discussion individual projects

Week 15 (4/23): The Cocktail Waitress: Woman's Work in a Man's World. [Spradley]
Discussion individual projects

Week 16 (4/30): Presentation of Final Paper (10%)
Final Paper Due