Due:    Handed in to the instructor. For the most part, there will be no exceptions to this. Poor time management does not warrant a late submission.

Worth: 45%

Description: Please chose ONE of the following options for your final paper to write a 15 page max. (double spaced, reasonable margins) paper.  In keeping with a key theme of the course, think/write critically on the topic.

1. Design and conduct a preliminary study involving interivews.  (CORE is required prior to fieldwork - takes about 3 hrs - please send me your certificate)
2. Design and conduct a preliminary study involving photovoice or photo-elicitation.  (CORE is required prior to fieldwork - takes about 3 hrs - pleasesend me your certificate).
3. Conduct a discourse analysis of a topic via written documents - e.g., a policy document(s); newspaper and magazine articles - and highlight the strenghts and limitations of this method.  Two good on-line databases for newspaper and magazine articles are Canadian Newsstand and Factiva.   You will need to carefully scope a media analysis - approximately 20 articles should be your guideline - but actually scope the selection of articles by time period.
   
4. Write a research paper on any aspect of qualitative research that interests you and is relevant to the course.  Where appropriate, highlight the strengths and limitations of the method/methodology/analytical procedure.

Write in a formal style, cite appropriately, and include a title page at the begining and reference list at the end.

We probably don't need to remind you that plagiarism is a serious scholastic offence (cite appropriately!).

Description: At the beginning of term (in the introductory class) , students will be assigned (sign up for) a class session to lead.  Each class is based on the week’s readings. These students will make critically informed presentations to the class about the weekly readings and will use whatever strategies the like to stimulate discussion within the group. Students are expected to organize as a group (if more than one student is involved) and should prepare to lead the entire class session - keeping in mind that group discusison should be a focus. The key themes of the readings should be summarized, critically evaluated, and presented clearly and concisely.  You wll be assessed on any formal presentation materials provided (e.g., powerpoint, handouts) as well as contributions to the discussion.  I am happy to post handouts on this website if you provide them to me well ahead of class time.

Description: Students are expected to contribute to discussion in every class. Participation will be evaluated on the basis of the frequency of your participation, the extent to which you demonstrate an understanding of the material, the quality of critical commentary, and the quality of the questions that you ask of the group. In order to prepare for class participation, students are required to hand in a 500 word (maximum) critical summary of the material they read for the class.  This will include three questions that will be prepared to pose in class to stimulate discussion or clarify key points.  The emphasis should be on critical commentary rather than simply retelling of the main points.

THOSE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WEEK’S SEMINAR FACILITATION ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAND IN THESE SUMMARIES.