240063 UE MM2 - Methods of Qualitative Research in Development Studies (2024S)

This course is meant to give an overview of qualitative research methods in the field of development studies. The aim is to introduce students to the nature and characteristics of qualitative research and to provide them with knowledge, insights, and techniques relating to different aspects of qualitative research, such as interviewing, ethnographic observation, and qualitative data analysis. Students will be encouraged to explore the theoretical foundations of their proposed qualitative research project and acquire a general understanding of the theoretical positions that underlie qualitative methodology. Through lectures, readings, and hands-on research activities, students will explore different ways of investigating the social world. In this course, emphasis will be placed on applied aspects of qualitative research. The course is divided into four major modules: theoretical perspectives in qualitative research, specific qualitative methodologies, techniques of qualitative data analysis, and challenging ethical issues in qualitative research. By the end of this course, students will be able to
• Apply the taught methodological approaches in their own research.
• Understand different theoretical perspectives and how these perspectives inform qualitative research design
• Appraise the challenges associated with qualitative research
• Gain experience to design qualitative research through a class project
• Develop the skills to collect and analyse qualitative data
• Plan and execute a research project that involves conducting in-depth interviews, ethnographic field observations, and content analysis
• Reflect on ethical issues raised during qualitative research