Introductory seminar (Research methods)

proseminars

In the course of the seminar we will discuss basic research methods used in the fields of social sciences and humanities (including participant observation method, interview, discourse analysis, hermeneutic method and multi-sited ethnography), with special attention paid to students’ needs regarding research conducted for preparation of their master’s theses. Research methods will be presented in the context of schools of thought and theories essential for their application (e.g. actor-network theory, the posthuman turn, cultural studies). A particular attention will be paid to ethical dimension of conducting research and its social and political consequences.

In the course of the seminar we will discuss basic research methods used in the fields of social sciences and humanities (including participant observation method, interview, discourse analysis, hermeneutic method and multi-sited ethnography), with special attention paid to students’ needs regarding research conducted for preparation of their master’s theses. Research methods will be presented in the context of schools of thought and theories essential for their application (e.g. actor-network theory, the posthuman turn, cultural studies). A particular attention will be paid to ethical dimension of conducting research and its social and political consequences.

Selected literature:

– Buliński T., Kairski M., Wiedza terenowa w antropologii: w poszukiwaniu nowych wymiarów badań terenowych, w: Teren w antropologii. Praktyka badawcza we współczesnej antropologii kulturowej, red.T. Buliński, M. Kairski, Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM, Poznań 2011.

– Charmaz K., Teoria ugruntowana. Praktyczny przewodnik po analizie jakościowej, PWN, Warszawa 2009.

– Geertz C., Opis gęsty. W poszukiwaniu interpretatywnej teorii kultury, w: Interpretacja kultur. Wybrane eseje, WUJ, Kraków 2005.

– Denzin N., Lincoln Y, Metody badań terenowych, t. 1 i 2. PWN, Warszawa (dowolne wydanie).

– Marcus G., Ethnography in/of the World System: The Emergence of Multi-Sited Ethnography, „Annual Review of Anthropology”, nr 24/1995, s. 95-117.

– Mills c. W., Wyobraźnia socjologiczna, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa 2007, r. O rzemiośle intelektualnym.

Learning outcomes:

– Grounded knowledge of research methodology.

– Improved writing skills in the subject of research methodology.

– Acquired knowledge and skill about application of ethical and quality standards in research.

K_W05, K_W07, K_U04, KU_06, K_K02, K_K08

Assessment criteria:

– Active participation in discussion during classes

– Completion of several tasks on distant-learning platform

– Preparation – using chosen research methods – of a research plan related to the topic of master’s thesis.