Sociology 608
Qualitative Research
Spring, 2008
Dr. Paul Sargent
Welcome to the
temporary home of SOC 608. I will post items here until the semester gets up
and running. Eventually, everything will be posted to Blackboard. By putting
stuff on this page, you have access to course information prior to registering
(a prerequisite for Blackboard). My plan this semester is to have everyone
complete a series of interviews that are captured on tape, transcribed, and
then analyzed for Òpatterns in the social fabricÓ of the chosen social group.
Taped interviews are, I believe, the very best starting point for neophyte
researchers. The resulting tapes and transcripts provide an opportunity for
student and mentor to collaborate on improving the ethnographic experience.
The course has
two major components:
(1) Your diary,
or journal. We will call this your ÒFileÓ, based on the work of sociologist C.
Wright Mills. This is actually the vehicle through which you will submit much
of your work.
(2) A completed
journal article, based on the themes that emerge from your interviews. There
are several phases in the creation of this work, some of which will be
submitted via your File.
Please examine
the documents I have posted, beginning with the course syllabus and schedule.
Notice that there is reading to be done and work that is due prior to the first
meeting. I believe in getting to it immediately. The pace of the semester will
alternate from frantic to tranquil, emulating the real life of a research
project.
If you have any
questions, donÕt hesitate to contact me: sargent@mail.sdsu.edu.