Geography: Qualitative Research Methods

Covers data collection, analysis, and representation techniques for qualitative data with emphasis on critical perspectives and cutting-edge practices, such as participatory mapping and mixed-methods approaches. Prerequisite: Minimum Sophomore standing.

GEOG majors and minors only during the week of registration; Minimum sophomore standing PACE students by permission and override

This is an introductory, hands-on course for social science/humanities students of all disciplines, but with a geographic perspective. It is particularly helpful as preparation for internships, thesis work, and advanced methods courses. Feel free to email me at mcope@uvm.edu for more info. How do social scientists make sense of the social world? How do people construct meaningful places, experience social/spatial differences, resist oppression, or simply make everyday life tolerable? What is in the ‘toolbox’ of qualitative research on social issues? This course takes several approaches to answering these questions. First, students will learn how to do an array of qualitative research techniques such as interviews, focus groups, surveys, archival research, participatory mapping, landscape analysis, and photovoice. We will also assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of these techniques, their appropriate applications, ways to combine them in mixed-methods research, and how to analyze and visualize qualitative data. Second, the course is intended to stimulate students to think critically about larger issues of the production of knowledge, epistemologies (how we know what we know), and socially constructed “truths”. Third, we will critically evaluate the role of the researcher, power and positionality in the research process, and similar questions. These skills will serve students well in future academic endeavors as well as positions in non-profits, corporations, and community development / government agencies. The following techniques are introduced: The Production of Knowledge Theory, Epistemology, and Research Practice The scope, practices, and ethics of Qualitative Research Ethnography & Participant Observation Interviews, Oral History & focus groups Participatory Research Approaches Questionnaires and surveys Photo and landscape analysis Photovoice Mental maps, Participatory mapping Travel diaries and activity journals Archival research Discourse & Text analysis Mixed Methods and Qualitative GIS Making sense of your data 1: Coding texts/images and theme-building Making sense of your data 2: Representing Qualitative Research

Required Text: Hay, Iain and Cope, Meghan. 2021. Qualitative Research Methods for Human Geographers (5th Edition), Oxford University Press. **PLEASE NOTE** that the department has copies of this text for you to borrow during the semester. If you prefer to purchase it, please make sure to get the 5th edition: ISBN: 9780199034215 Additional Readings: All additional required readings are available as PDFs on our Brightspace site.

Assessment This is an active, hands-on course that requires your full attention and engagement. Therefore, participation is valued heavily. It is also a critically reflective course, so the written work involves thoughtful critique as well. The term project involves identifying a research question, designing a suitable methodology, and carrying out the research within the UVM community. More details to be distributed soon. Components of Assessment: Attendance, Class participation Weekly readings postings (on Brightspace) Reflection Papers Small Homework Projects & Assignments Term Project – Proposal Term Project – Poster & Presentation Final Reflection Paper