School of Public Policy 636 - Qualitative Research Methods

Qualitative research methods, including ethnography, provide essential tools for applied anthropology and policy research. Today's policymakers operate in complex societies and serve an increasingly diverse public. Ethnographic research helps policymakers reach the public by providing tools for understanding diverse cultural perceptions, practices, and social problems in context. The centerpiece of the course is an actual ethnographic project here at UMass: together, students will design a client-based qualitative research project, conduct field research, analyze qualitative data, and write up research findings in a final report that explores applications for policy and/or administration. Students will learn key concepts, research design, methods, and ethics of applied qualitative research.

Open to Masters Public Policy & Admin (MPPA) and Public Policy (MPP) students only. Students not meeting the prerequisite may seek permission of the instructor to enroll.