| Course Title: Special Topics in Sociology: 'Qualitative Research and Data Analysis' |
| Start Date: 09/09/2026 End Date: 12/22/2026 |
| Term: Fall Semester 2026 |
| Description: This course introduces students to qualitative research methods. In the course students will get basic training in the collection and analysis of qualitative research data, develop experience writing and presenting qualitative data, gain exposure to the theoretical assumptions underlying qualitative inquiry, and learn insights about the ethical responsibilities surrounding qualitative social analysis. We will focus on methods such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and close observations. This course will provide students with the skills and knowledge to pursue qualitative data analysis in future projects such as for an independent study, senior thesis, or internship. In addition, since cases will focus on consumer research, this class is also well-suited for students who want to learn qualitative research techniques that are used in marketing. |
| Distribution(s): III - Social Sciences , TP - Topics Course |
| Academic Level Of Course: Undergraduate     | Credits:4.00     |
| Faculty         | Phone         | Email address         |
| Patricia Banks   |           | pbanks@mtholyoke.edu   |
| Meeting Dates         | Method         | Meeting days         | Meeting times         | Building name         | Room     | Frequency     |
| 09/09/2026 - 12/22/2026   | Seminar   | Tuesday and Thursday   | 10:30AM - 11:45AM   | TBA   | TBA   | Weekly |
| Requisite Courses         | ||
| None |           |           |
| Comments         |
| Additional Comments         |
| Course Tags         | ||
| NXGBL0001   | NXGBL: Nexus in Global Business   | This course is approved for the Global Business Nexus track.   |
| Cross-listed Sections         |
| None   |
| Course Availability | ||||
| Section status: Waitlisted     | Capacity: 18     | Enrollment: 24     | Available: 0     | Waitlist: 3 |
BOOK INFORMATION
| Book List         | Required         | Publisher Full Price         |
| To be determined. |           |           |
| Additional Book Comments         |
| This is NOT the complete book list for this class.   |