SOC 310 Sociological Field Methods

This course introduces the theory and methods of sociological and urban field research. We consider positivist interpretive and critical paradigms. We compare the traditions of anthropological as well as sociological ethnography. We explore the ethics of participant observation with respect to issues such as role authority and power. We learn interview protocols how to write field notes how to analyze data and techniques of storytelling in ethnographic writing. We explore principles of participatory action research and oral history. We will also learn quantitative methods through the analysis of local statistical data from the U.S. Census of Population and Housing. Students will conduct their own ethnographic or field-based study.