Analytic Methods: Qualitative

This module introduces students to selected qualitative methods for thinking about urban planning research. Students learn about and practice field research techniques, including interview, observation, surveys, and case study. Class topics include research design, research ethics and mixed-methods approaches.

Course Assignments: Satisfactory completion of the course includes structured assignments to apply and test learning of the research methods discussed in class and in course readings. Three short homework assignments will be assigned prior to March and April break-out sessions and discussed in these groups. The final class exercise—in which students prepare a research proposal on an urban planning question of their own choosing, culminating in a comprehensive research proposal due at the beginning of exam week – will be discussed in class with detailed instructions provided in April.