This course provides an understanding to qualitative research methods and the intellectual grounds on which they stand. It will address the theoretical, ethical and practical issues that arise in the conduct of qualitative research. The course takes a "hands-on" approach and students are expected to learn by practicing a range of qualitative approaches. Readings are concerned with not only the differing research contexts and appropriate methodologies, but also the basic procedures of participant observation, intensive interviewing and focus group interviewing, as well as content analysis and image-based analysis.