W, 6:00 PM-8:30 PM, MJ 112
Open to Graduates Only!

Instructor: Yeidy Rivero
E-Mail: yrivero@indiana.edu
Office: Mottier Hall 207
Phone: 856-3153

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to provide students in media studies with an
introductory overview of qualitative research approaches, and with
training in writing a research proposal.  In the first section
students will become familiar with a variety of methodologies in
order to promote a critical understanding of the research process.
These methodological techniques will include archival
research/document studies, participant observation, interviewing,
ethnography, and textual analysis.  In the second part students will
conceptualize and write a research proposal.  We will begin by
discussing the proposal and then each week students will embark on a
step-by-step process which will include: selection of topic,
development of research question, review of the relevant literature,
and selection of research methodology.

Two cautionary remarks:
* This class is an introduction to some qualitative research
methods.  There is much more to learn about methods and, depending
on your topic, you may have to take more courses in specific
methodologies for your dissertation project.

* The purpose behind developing a proposal is to teach you about the
process.  This is an academic exercise and in no way should be
viewed as choosing a dissertation topic.  When that time comes, you
and your advisor will work on the theme, question, sources-texts,
methods, and theories of your future dissertation work.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Weekly questions-though pieces (10%); Book review presentation and
essay (20%); Short written assignments (20%); Research proposal
(50%).

REQUIRED TEXTS
Jenkins, Keith.  Rethinking History.  London:  Routledge, 2003.

Hine, Christine ed. Virtual Methods:  Issues in Social Research on
the Internet. New York: Berg, 2005.

White, Mimi, and James Schwoch. Questions of Method in Cultural
Studies.  Malden, MA: 	Blackwell, 2006.

Locke, Lawrence F., Waneen Wyrick Spirduso, and Stephen J.
Silverman. Proposals That Work: A Guide for Planning Dissertations
and Grant Proposals, 4th ed. London: Sage, 1999. (Available on E-
books)