MB560/660/760/860: Methods of Observing and Interpreting Culture (4 units)

R. Daniel Shaw, Professor of Anthropology and Translation
Fall 2007 Pasadena

 

 

DESCRIPTION:

Matching research methods with a particular context in order to derive meaningful cultural information for a particular context is a difficult yet very important process.  The rationale for using a particular method and applying the resultant information to doing mission is crucial for the success of that mission involvement.  This course is designed to help cross-cultural workers use and apply social science research methods to the collection and analysis of data that can then be analyzed for effective application to intercultural relationships. Particular emphasis is placed on participant observation, ethnographic interviews, focus groups, and case studies including life histories. Techniques for recording and processing data and establishing rapport with people will be discussed. While greater emphasis is placed on collecting qualitative data, analysis of that data will also be presented. This methods course is designed for those doing graduate research at any level. The term project can be specifically designed to fit the methodology and research needs of a thesis or dissertation.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1.  Appreciate the difference between the four primary methods and how they affect field research.

2.  Be able to apply at least one of these methods to a particular research context.
3.  Understand the impact of each method on enabling mission.

 

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet once per week for three hours in a lecture/discussion format. Reading, small group interaction, class discussion and application of a method to a particular research context will provide the framework for learning.

 

REQUIRED READING:  If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the professor.

Bernard, H. R. Research Methods in Cultural Anthropology, 2005, Altimira (or latest edition).
Based on research needs or interests, students will choose one (1 only) of the following books from the SAGE Applied Social Research Methods Series:

Fetterman, Ethnography Step by Step, 1997 OR latest edition (same for all below).
Jorgensen, Participant Observation, 1989.
Stewart/Shamdasani, Focus Groups, 2006.
Yin, Case Study Research, 2002.

Students will also choose two (2 only) books from the SAGE Qualitative Research Methods Series that complement the above. The objective is to understand principles adjunct to the primary methodology chosen. Consult the materials handed out at the first meeting of the class. BOOKS MUST BE ORDERED BY THE STUDENT (on line) OR BROUGHT TO THE 2nd MEETING OF THE CLASS!

 

RECOMMENDED READING:

1.  McKinney, C. Globe Trotting in Sandals, SIL International Bookstore, Dallas 1999.
2.  Maxwell, J. Qualitative Research Design. 2nd Edition. SAGE, Applied Social Research Methods Series, Vol. 41, 2005.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1.  Readings as assigned in class. Students will do a research project based on utilizing their choice of a particular methodology. Students will make a presentation and turn in a final paper based on their research methodology and data collection.

2.  Th.M students: Add a 500-word paper indicating how this course content fits into the conceptualization, research and writing for the project/thesis.

3.  Doctoral Students: This course is often used by doctoral students as a methods course for their doctoral research. Doctoral students will be expected to critique the theoretical structures and evaluate them for application and/or relevance to their dissertation topic. An addendum to the methods section of their research design paper will be added to the written assignments for this course. They will make a classroom presentation relating their chosen method to their particular research focus, showing the theoretical rationale, and missional implications to their particular research.

 

PREREQUISITES: None.  MB500 or MB520 are very helpful.  If MB500 or MB520 are not yet completed, see professor for pre-reading assignment.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets requirements for a methods course in the Doctoral Program and research methods requirement (ISRR) in the MAICS and Th.M. program in the SIS.

 

FINAL EXAM: None.

 

Last Date Edited: 20 June 2007