Readings (paperbacks)

Corrine Glesne, Becoming Qualitative Researchers (Longman, 1999)

Jay MacLeod, Ain't No Makin' It (Westview Press, 1995)

Robert S. Weiss, Learning from Strangers (Free Press, 1994)

Margery Wolf, A Thrice Told Tale (Stanford University Press, 1992)

Course description

EDUC 850 is the first part of a two semester sequence on qualitative methods for educational research. At one time EDUC 850 was theory and EDUC 851 was application. Now theory and practice go together in both semesters. As you are reading about procedures and techniques, you will be using them. We will concentrate on interviewing (individuals and groups), observing, and writing (field notes and proposals).

Course requirements

See the attached list of readings and assignments. At most you will turn in written work. Three-quarters of the final grade stems from the term's portfolio of work, and one-quarter is from participation in class discussion and activities. Each written submission will be read and returned with comments; no grade will be noted unless your work is unsatisfactory (C+ or below). You will knew from any comments if the work is excellent (A), good (B) , or in-between (A- or B+). Please let me know if you cannot attend a class.

I can be reached at the office, at home (before 10) or by e-mail. For an appointment, call my assistant, Dianne Carter (831-3534, dcarter@udel.edu), but feel free to make unscheduled visits before class or earlier in the day (10-12 and 1:30 on).

Class calendar

Date	Readings	Assignments
9/7	MacLeod (Chs. 8-10 optional)	Draft of a consent form
9/14	BQR, 69-74; LFS, Chs. 2-3	Draft of a protocol (bring 12 copies)
9/21	LFS, chs. 4-5	Two interviews finished. Bring tape and notes to class
9/28	[in class handouts]	Five pages of transcription (bring 12 copies)
10/5	BQR, ch. 7; LFS, ch. 6	Draft of a field note (bring 12 copies)
10/12	BQR, ch. 3	One observation finished. Bring notes.
10/19	[in class handouts]	Draft of field note on the observation (bring 12 copies)
10/26	BQR, ch. 8	Bring an example of poor writing (12 copies)
11/2	[to be assigned]	Draft of field note on a focus group interview
11/9	[to be assigned]	Bring your field notes (class on software)
11/16	Wolf (all); BQR, ch. 9	Sketch three different ways to present your data (see the 11/16 readings for examples)
11/23	[individual meetings w/RH]	No class [individual meetings w/RH]
11/30	LFS, ch. 7	One page outline, research proposal (12 copies)
12/7	[in class handouts]	Draft, research proposal