Interdisciplinary Research Methods

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to research methodologies within, across, and between disciplines. Recognizing the potential and limits of disciplinary boundaries, this course aims to impart the significance of methodological pluralism, critical perspectives, and empirical familiarity with a range of methods available to interdisciplinary researchers. Students will explore a range of methods that could include: surveys, interviews, ethnography, content analysis, discourse analysis, historical and archival methods, and mixed methods. Students will learn how to design a research study-from intellectual curiosities to research plans. In addition to understanding the logic of inquiry, students will gain the practical tools for conducting research. At the end of the course, students will develop an original research proposal and project for possible grant submissions, thesis projects, and/or independent research. As research is a vehicle for social change, students will learn to become critical evaluators and producers of knowledge. Satisfies Latin American Studies major and minor requirement. Satisfies Gender and Sexuality Studies major requirement. Satisfies Social-Scientific Thought requirement.