INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS

As part of the master's degree course in TRANS-MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: MIGRATION, COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT, the teaching INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS aims to equip students with tools in qualitative research that will contribute to the development of their own future research projects, paying particular attention to the professional profiles envisaged by the degree course. The course will address the different stages of research, from practical guidance on preliminary research design and literature reviews, through an introduction to key qualitative methods and their tools such as interviewing and participant observation to a discussion of data analysis and the dissemination of findings. It will cover research ethics, the position of researcher in relation to participants and other challenges in the field. It will also critically discuss the opportunities posed by new media and internet-based research. Through an emphasis on participatory learning, students will have the opportunity to acquire practical hands-on experience in the use of different methods and to develop skills in evaluating the impact and quality of research.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the different elements of the social research process, including core methods of qualitative data collection and analysis. They will have gained practical experience in using qualitative methods, and will have developed critical skills in interpreting and evaluating qualitative research. In addition, they will be in a position to recognize and discuss the ethical dimensions of research and to adopt a reflexive approach to their relationship with research subjects.

Criteria for admission are the same as those for the study programme of "Trans-Mediterranean Studies: Migration, Cooperation and Development". A good knowledge of English is essential.

Topics covered during the course include:
1. Introduction to social research;
2. Introduction to qualitative research and its main characteristics (Context-sensitivity of data collection procedures; Detail focalization; Multivocality of writing);
3. Introduction to the three phases of qualitative research: Design; Data collection; Analysis;
3. Qualitative research design;
4. Principles and methods of data collection in qualitative research;
5. Methods and purposes of data analysis
6. Communication and dissemination of research
7. Creative methods in qualitative research

Referral texts (compulsory reading, students can choose one of the two texts):
- Cardano Mario e Gariglio Luigi, Metodi qualitativi : pratiche di ricerca in presenza, a distanza e ibride (Roma: Carocci, 2022).
or:
- Hennink Monique, Hutter Inge, Bailey Ajay, Qualitative Research Methods (London: SAGE, 2020).

Compulsory reading:
- W. Mills, The Sociological Imagination (in English or Italian translation, any edition).

Further readings:
A detailed bibliography and key texts will be provided by the teacher during the course.

Oral exam on the materials assigned during the course. The exam will assess students' knowledge of the topics covered in class, their acquisition of critical and analytical tools, and their ability to learn, including independently. Six topics will be assessed during the exam. Four topics will be prepared by students in the form of essays and/or exercises and will be presented and discussed during the exam. Two other topics will be assessed by the instructor from those covered in the syllabus (compulsory readings).

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

Regarding the grading scale, scores will be assigned according to the following schema:
A. Scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of: Sufficient knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
B. Scores in the 23-27 range will be awarded in the presence of: Fair or Good knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
C. Scores in the 28-30 range will be awarded in the presence of: Excellent knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
D. Honors will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and applied comprehension of the program.

The course is structured around lectures and presentations of materials. The teaching approach is designed to encourage active student participation through individual or group discussions and presentations on topics introduced by the instructor. Furthermore, under the guidance of the instructor, students will have the opportunity to develop practical skills in several qualitative research tools.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development