Lab. Qualitative Methods and Empirical Research: Space
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Undefined
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
LESSONS 1-2 - Introduction to qualitative research: the research question; the research design; the ethnography; introduction of the two principle methodological tools like participant observation and the qualitative interview.
LESSONS 3-4 - Focus on the methodological tools of the qualitative interview and the participant observation: how to construct the structure of the interview and the field notes; the access to the field; how to conduce the interview and the participant observation; the ethical and methodological issues.
LESSONS 5-6 - Practice exercise 1: how to construct and conduce an interview
LESSONS 7-8 - Analysis of qualitative data: analysis of the interviews and of the ethnographic data. How to communicate the research results: ethnographic writing.
LESSONS 9-10 - Practice exercise 2: presentation of the research results by the students
LESSONS 3-4 - Focus on the methodological tools of the qualitative interview and the participant observation: how to construct the structure of the interview and the field notes; the access to the field; how to conduce the interview and the participant observation; the ethical and methodological issues.
LESSONS 5-6 - Practice exercise 1: how to construct and conduce an interview
LESSONS 7-8 - Analysis of qualitative data: analysis of the interviews and of the ethnographic data. How to communicate the research results: ethnographic writing.
LESSONS 9-10 - Practice exercise 2: presentation of the research results by the students
Prerequisites for admission
The Lab is open to: first-year and second-year students who have already the basic knowledge of social research methods, notably qualitative and quantitative research. The Lab will be especially useful for those students who plan to conduct (or are conducing) empirical research for their dissertation with qualitative methods.
Teaching methods
The Lab alternate frontal lessons, which will include an interactive part, with practical exercises through which the students will experiment the technique of semi-structured interview. The lessons will take place in the class and there will be individual or group activities; students will have the opportunity to practically implement the knowledge learned during the Lab. At the end, students will prepare a small presentation and data analysis based on the few interviews collected during the Lab.
Teaching Resources
Lectures will be based on diverse sources, among which (not compulsory for students):
- Cardano, M., 2020. Defending qualitative research: design, analysis, and textualization. Routledge.
- Holstein, J.A. & J.F. Gubrium 1997. "Active Interviewing", in D. Silverman (Ed.), Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice, London, Sage, pp. 116-129.
- Emerson, R.E., R.I. Fretz, & L.L. Shaw 1995. Writing Ethnographic Fieldnotes. Chicago, The University of Chicago Press.
- Cardano, M., 2020. Defending qualitative research: design, analysis, and textualization. Routledge.
- Holstein, J.A. & J.F. Gubrium 1997. "Active Interviewing", in D. Silverman (Ed.), Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice, London, Sage, pp. 116-129.
- Emerson, R.E., R.I. Fretz, & L.L. Shaw 1995. Writing Ethnographic Fieldnotes. Chicago, The University of Chicago Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
There will be no final exam.
In order to obtain the 3 ECTS associated to the Lab,
· Students should take part in at least 80% of the Lab (16 hours out of twenty) and do the in-class activities and the suggested assignments;
In order to obtain the 3 ECTS associated to the Lab,
· Students should take part in at least 80% of the Lab (16 hours out of twenty) and do the in-class activities and the suggested assignments;
SPS/10 - URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Laboratories: 20 hours
Professor:
Fontanari Elena
Professor(s)