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

R. Daniel Shaw, Professor of Anthropology and Translation
Fall 2005 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to help cross cultural leaders use and apply social science research methods to the collection 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 will be discussed. The emphasis in this course is on collecting qualitative data, not on analysis of that data per se. Application of these methods should enable students to more accurately understand a cultural context and thereby enable them to make wise missional decisions. This methods course is designed for those doing masters or doctoral research. The term project can be specifically designed to fit the methodology and research needs of a thesis or dissertation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Ÿ Appreciate the difference between the four primary methods and when each is best utilized in research.
Ÿ Be able to apply at least one of these methods to a particular research context.
Ÿ Understand the contribution each method can make for effective data collection.

COURSE FORMAT:

The course will meet once per week in a lecture/discussion format. Reading, class discussion and use of a method for collecting data in a research context will provide the framework for learning.

REQUIRED READING:

Bernard, H. R. Research Methods in Cultural Anthropology, 1998, Altimira (or latest edition)
Students will choose one of the following books from the Sage Applied Social Research Methods Series:
Fetterman, Ethnography Step by Step, 1989 OR latest edition (same for all below)
Jorgensen, Participant Observation, 1989.
Stewart/Shamdasani, Focus Groups, 1990.
Yin, Case Study Research, 1989.
Students will choose two books from the Sage Qualitative Research Methods Series. 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 AT 2nd MEETING OF THE CLASS!

RECOMMENDED READING: (not required but helpful)

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

ASSIGNMENTS:

Ÿ 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 based on their research methodology and data collection.
Ÿ Th.M students: Add a two-page paper indicating how this course content fits into the conceptualization, research and writing for the project/thesis.
Ÿ 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: MB500, MB520, or permission of instructor.

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

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: August 24, 2005