SOC3006 Qualitative Methods in SociologyBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs ENERGY SYSTEMS ENGINEERINGGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
ENERGY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
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) Build up a body of knowledge in mathematics, science and Energy Systems Engineering subjects; use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve complex engineering problems.
2) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex Energy Systems Engineering problems; select and apply proper modeling and analysis methods for this purpose.
3) Ability to design complex Energy systems, processes, devices or products under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; apply modern design methods for this purpose.
4) Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for solving complex problems in Energy Systems Engineering practice; employ information technologies effectively.
5) Ability to design and conduct numerical or pysical experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for investigating the complex problems specific to Energy Systems Engineering.
6) Ability to cooperate efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; and show self-reliance when working on Energy Systems-related problems
7) Ability to communicate effectively in English and Turkish (if he/she is a Turkish citizen), both orally and in writing. Write and understand reports, prepare design and production reports, deliver effective presentations, give and receive clear and understandable instructions.
8) Recognize the need for life-long learning; show ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continuously educate oneself.
9) Develop an awareness of professional and ethical responsibility, and behave accordingly. Be informed about the standards used in Energy Systems Engineering applications.
10) Learn about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; develop an awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
11) Acquire knowledge about the effects of practices of Energys Systems Engineering on health, environment, security in universal and social scope, and the contemporary problems of Energys Systems engineering; is aware of the legal consequences of Energys Systems engineering solutions.