COURSE OVERVIEW

Intended primarily for Master’s students in International Education, this independent study will discuss the principles and practice of research involving a small number of subjects, conducted with few resources, and limited by a relatively short time-frame. We will identify several examples of small-scale research conducted in both domestic and international settings, and develop criteria for assessing the soundness and usefulness of various examples of practice. We will also practice at least three methods (interviewing, questionnaire development, and observation) and critically reflect on those experiences. No prior research experience is required.

COURSE MATERIALS

Required reading:

Knight, P. T. (2002). Small-scale research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS

Forms of assessment:

• Identification and critical analysis of at least four examples of small-scale research;
• 3 short papers (8-10 pp.) summarizing practice exercises on in-depth interviewing, questionnaire development, and observation
• Participation in building final experimental course syllabus