Field Methods (403-0-20)

Instructors

Hector G Carrillo
847/467-0516
1808 Chicago Ave, Room 101
Office Hours: Th 10:30-11:30
Hector Carrillo is Professor of Sociology and Gender and Sexuality Studies. He has conducted ethnographic research for more than 30 years. His most recent book, "Pathways of Desire: The Sexual Migration of Mexican Gay Men," received book awards from three sections of the American Sociological Association (ASA) and the 2020 ASA Distinguished Scholarly Book Award.

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 222: Wed 9:30AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This graduate course is an introduction to ethnographic field methods. Students will learn how to conduct participant observation and in-depth interviews, two methods that often work in tandem in ethnographic sociological studies. We will discuss various aspects of research design and practical strategies to manage and adequately analyze and make sense of the considerable volume of data that ethnographic studies commonly generate. We will discuss epistemological issues, attending to how to use empirical ethnographic data to generate conceptual and theoretical conclusions, and we will also demarcate the capabilities and limitations of ethnographic research. Throughout the course, we will reflect on questions of research ethics, power, and representation.

Teaching Method

Seminar discussions and individual and group assignments

Evaluation Method

Field notes, interview transcripts, analytical memos, and seminar discussion and participation

Class Materials (Required)

This course will have required books/other materials.

Lareau, Annette. 2021. Listening to People: A Practical Guide to Interviewing, Participant Observation, Data Analysis, and Writing It All Up. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
ISBN-13: 978-0-226-80643-3 (paper)

Other course materials will be available on Canvas

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Sociology/MORS PhD Students