This course introduces a wide variety of research methods, with a
concentration on the tools of ethnography: interview techniques,
survey methods and qualitative data analysis.  There is no attempt to
introduce quantitative analytical methods, though we will talk about a
variety of formal observation, recording, and analysis techniques.
Students will gain some practical experience in research design,
interviewing, designing and conducting a survey, and the analysis of
textual data.
Each student will be given the opportunity to explore a research
technique relevant to his or her own research interests. The course
will be useful and worthwhile for students in a variety of disciplines
who are interested in alternatives to standard survey or large-data
set quantitative techniques.