COM 786 - Advanced Qualitative Methods I

Prerequisites, COM 696, admission to Ph.D. in Communication or consent of instructor. This doctoral course builds on the foundations students have developed in Qualitative Methods (COM 696) and will hone students’ skills and knowledge in four interlocked areas of empirical qualitative inquiry: Explicating clear standards for evaluating qualitative research, and how to design high-quality qualitative research projects; Extending students’ capabilities for data collection and mixing methods, including interviews and systematic (participant) observation in in-person and digital contexts; Providing hands-on experience in coding and analyzing qualitative data; and Developing effective skills for interpreting and writing up qualitative findings for academic, policy, and practitioner audiences. Students will develop these capabilities through deep reading, class discussions, and collaborative and independent activities, in addition to crafting and refining an original qualitative research design over the course of the semester. Letter grade. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits