290400 PS Qualitative Methods in the Context of Southeast Asian Field Research (2009S)

During the last years the Department of Geography and Regional Research of the University of Vienna has established a focus on 'Southeast Asian Studies¿ which is mainly addressing aspects of demographic, economic, socio-cultural and political transformation processes in the region. Among Human Geographers working in these fields one can observer a growing need and interest in employing qualitative research methods. It is the aim of this lecture to teach and discuss qualitative research tools such as different forms of interviews and observations while stressing aspects and problems which are occurring in the context of Southeast Asian studies. The teaching units consist of lectures, fieldwork-exercises and student¿s presentations. Students attending this course should carry out literature research, an interview and an observation (which includes the tasks of interview transcription and writing of observation protocols).