In this course we explore the nature of qualitative research and Indigenous qualitative research, and how we can use methods from these approaches to better understand the complexity of social life and relations. Whilst we predominantly explore established techniques such as interviewing and participant observation, emphasis is also placed on how these methods can be supplemented with visual, digital, and material methods. This course highlights Indigenous and participatory methodological approaches to push research practices in directions that are better able to meet the complexity and concerns of today's world.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. explain the key tenets, features and value of qualitative and Indigenous qualitative research;
2. understand the practical, conceptual and ethical implications of using qualitative methods and approaches in social research;
3. evaluate the various qualitative techniques that are used by researchers in the pursuit of their studies;
4. use qualitative methods to address a pressing contemporary social issue through project-based learning and reflect critically on the process of doing social research; and
5. communicate methodological arguments and research findings in written and oral form with reference to broader methodological, conceptual and substantive debates within sociology and related cognate disciplines.