SOC3006 Qualitative Methods in SociologyBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs DIGITAL GAME DESIGNGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
DIGITAL GAME DESIGN
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
SOC3006 Qualitative Methods in Sociology Spring 3 0 3 5
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Prof. Dr. AYŞE NİLÜFER NARLI
Course Lecturer(s): Assoc. Prof. ULAŞ SUNATA ÖZDEMİR
Prof. Dr. AYŞE NİLÜFER NARLI
Prof. Dr. İPEK ALTINBAŞAK FARİNA
Recommended Optional Program Components: "."
Course Objectives: The best way to learn qualitative methods in sociology is to apply them. Thus, the greater part of this course involves doing qualitative research and discussing research issues and questions with each other. As outlined below, the requirements for this course revolve around conducting a research project on a topic of interest to you.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1) Recall methodology of social sciences
2) Defend ethical and political issues in social research
3) Discuss non-survey data collection techniques
4) Apply non-survey data collection techniques
5) Construct qualitative research design
6) Analyze qualitative data without using software
7) Analyze qualitative data by means of at least one computer aided analysis

Course Content

This course is designed as an introduction to basic issues on the practice and problems of qualitative research methods including alternative methodological approaches in sociology. In the course, we will discuss the non-positivist methodological issues (i.e. interpretative social research, critical social research, feminist and post-modernist approaches) and their analysis (i.e. expressed as words, pictures, objects, videos). Afterwards we will devote our time to ethical and political concerns in social research. Participant observation, field research techniques, historical and comparative analysis, focus group, interview techniques, content analysis, oral history (life history) analysis are the main topics that we plan to cover throughout the semester.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) The Meanings of Methodology- Introduction to the Course: Going over the Syllabus
2) The Meanings of Methodology- Remembering Methodology of Social Sciences
3) The Meanings of Methodology Remembering Methodology of Social Sciences (cont.)
4) Ethical and Political Issues in Social Research
5) Non-Survey Data Collection Techniques- Document Study and Experimental Research
6) Non-Survey Data Collection Techniques- FILM&FILM REVIEW: “Das Experiment” “The Experiment”
7) Qualitative Research Design
8) Qualitative Research Design: Field Research
9) Qualitative Research Design: Interview Studies
10) Analyzing Qualitative Data
11) Analyzing Qualitative Data: Historical and Comparative Research and Oral History / Life History Techniques
12) Analyzing Qualitative Data: Workshop on the use of a computer program (MaxQDA or Atlas.ti) for coding, sorting, and analyzing qualitative data
13) Analyzing Qualitative Data: Workshop continued
14) Writing for Sociologists and Final Discussion

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Course reader will be given weekly
References: Atlas.ti. Atlas.ti v.5.0 User’s guide and reference. 2004.
Bailey, Kenneth D.. Methods of Social Research. New York: Free Press; London: Collier Macmillan, 1987.
Boeije, Hennie. Analysis in Qualitative Research. London: SAGE, 2010.
Ely, Margot. Ed. Doing Qualitative Research: Circles within Circles. London, NY: Falmer Press, 1991.
Heaton, Janet. Reworking Qualitative Data. London: SAGE, 2004.
Laine, Marlene de. Fieldwork, Participation and Practice. London: SAGE, 2000.
May, Tim. Ed. Qualitative Research in Action. London: SAGE, 2002.
Neuman, Lawrence W.. Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1991.
Silverman, David. Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analyzing Talk, Text and Interaction. London: SAGE, 2007.
Warren, Carol A.B., and Tracy X. Karner. Discovering Qualitative Methods: Field Research, Interviews, and Analysis. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Weisss, Robert Stuart. Learning from Strangers: The Art and Method of Qualitative Interview Studies. NY: Free Press, 1995.
http://www.qualitative-research.net

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 12 % 7
Laboratory 2 % 3
Field Work 3 % 30
Homework Assignments 2 % 20
Midterms 1 % 10
Final 1 % 30
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 70
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 30
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 3 42
Laboratory 2 3 6
Field Work 3 10 30
Study Hours Out of Class 14 3 42
Presentations / Seminar 1 3 3
Homework Assignments 2 5 10
Midterms 1 2 2
Final 1 2 2
Total Workload 137

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Comprehend the conceptual importance of the game in the field of communication, ability to implement the player centered application to provide design.
2) Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from various perspectives.
3) Analyze the key elements that make up specific game genres, forms of interactions, mode of narratives and understand how they are employed effectively to create a successful game.
4) Understand game design theories and methods as well as implement them during game development; to make enjoyable, attractive, instructional and immersive according to the target audience.
5) Understand the technology and computational principles involved in developing games and master the use of game engines.
6) Understand the process of creation and use of 2D and 3D assets and animation for video games.
7) Understand and master the theories and methodologies of understanding and measuring player experience and utilize them during game development process.
8) Comprehend and master how ideas, concepts and topics are conveyed via games followed by the utilization of these aspects during the development process.
9) Manage the game design and development process employing complete documentation; following the full game production pipeline via documentation.
10) Understand and employ the structure and work modes of game development teams; comprehend the responsibilities of team members and collaborations between them while utilizing this knowledge in practice.
11) Understand the process of game publishing within industry standards besides development and utilize this knowledge practice.
12) Pitching a video game to developers, publishers, and players; mastering the art of effectively communicating and marketing the features and commercial potential of new ideas, concepts or games.