SOC3006 Qualitative Methods in SociologyBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs ARCHITECTUREGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
ARCHITECTURE
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
Fall
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) Using the theoretical/conceptual and practical knowledge acquired for architectural design, design activities and research.
2) Identifying, defining and effectively discussing aesthetic, functional and structural requirements for solving design problems using critical thinking methods.
3) Being aware of the diversity of social patterns and user needs, values and behavioral norms, which are important inputs in the formation of the built environment, at local, regional, national and international scales.
4) Gaining knowledge and skills about architectural design methods that are focused on people and society, sensitive to natural and built environment in the field of architecture.
5) Gaining skills to understand the relationship between architecture and other disciplines, to be able to cooperate, to develop comprehensive projects; to take responsibility in independent studies and group work.
6) Giving importance to the protection of natural and cultural values in the design of the built environment by being aware of the responsibilities in terms of human rights and social interests.
7) Giving importance to sustainability in the solution of design problems and the use of natural and artificial resources by considering the social, cultural and environmental issues of architecture.
8) Being able to convey and communicate all kinds of conceptual and practical thoughts related to the field of architecture by using written, verbal and visual media and information technologies.
9) Gaining the ability to understand and use technical information about building technology such as structural systems, building materials, building service systems, construction systems, life safety.
10) Being aware of legal and ethical responsibilities in design and application processes.