Spring 2017/Pasadena

MB560

Ramirez-Johnson

MB560: METHODS FOR OBSERVING AND INTERPRETING CULTURE (4 Units: 160 hours). Johnny Ramirez-Johnson.

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to equip students with basic skills in collecting and analyzing qualitative cultural data using methods of the ethnographer. A range of related methods will be discussed along with the epistemological implications of each, and students will acquire greater proficiency with a selection of those methods via the execution of a pilot research project.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will. (1) Demonstrate the capacity to design and test their research methods for a research project focusing on culture, race identity, or race reconciliation. (2) Exhibit knowledge of qualitative methods history, ways, and means. (3) Reflect on intercultural, race identity and race reconciliation values and philosophy as a practice of mission. (4) Begin the development of a personal, biblically derived model for intercultural communication. (5) Write a short practical theology or missiological integration paper as a reflection on the field research accomplished. (6) Learn the Seminary standards and processes for Human Subject Research.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three-hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED READING: 1,500 total pp. required.

Bernard, H. R. Research Methods in Anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. 5th ed. Altamira, 2011. ISBN: 978-0759112421, Pub. Price $75.00 [650 pp.].

Fetterman, D. Ethnography: Step by Step. 3rd ed. Sage, 2009. ISBN: 978-1412950459, Pub. Price $57.00 [100 pp.].

Swinton, John, & Mowat, Harriet. Practical Theology and Qualitative Research. SCM Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0334029809, Pub. Price $35.00 [250 pp.].

Thayer-Bacon, Barbara J. Relational "(e)pistemologies". P. Lang, 2003. ISBN: 978-0820461724, Pub. Price $34.95 [250 pp.].

Course Reader: “Race, Cultural Identity, and Race Justice & Reconciliation Articles” [250 pp. assigned].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Kvale, S. Doing Interviews. Sage, 2008. ISBN: 978-0761949770, Pub. Price $44.00.

Spradley, James. The Ethnographic Interview. Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 1979. ISBN: 978-0030444968, Pub. Price $185.95.

Stewart, D., and P. Shamdasani. Focus Groups, Second Ed. Sage, 2006. ISBN: 978-0761925828, Kindle Edition $40.00.

Khanna, Nikki. Biracial in America: Forming and Performing Racial Identity. Lexington Books, 2011. ISBN: 978-0739145746, Kindle Edition $29.00.

McCarthy, Cameron; Crichlow, Warren, Editors. Race, Identity, and Representation in Education. Routledge, Psychology Press, 1993. ISBN: 9780415949934, $48.76 Kindle Edition.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 1,500 pages of required reading. Weekly readings as assigned in course syllabus with reading log entries (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2-6]. [75 hours].

2. All students will join a small group with a particular methodological focus and/or practical theology question/approach. Students doing the “Race, Cultural Identity and Reconciliation” emphasis will meet together. Weekly small group meetings will be based on the group’s topic (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3-5] [10 hours of DLA].
3. Group oral presentation reflecting on applying one research method to a research context (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1-6] [10 hours].
4. Critical Paper Proposal dealing with epistemology and methods to be used for the Final Paper. This proposal is submitted for input and approval from professor, many students use this project and this proposal in preparation for a research project or their own (thesis or otherwise) (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1-6] [5 hours].
5. Critical Paper [3,000 words] applying the chosen research method and epistemology as approved by instructor to demonstrate ability to collect and analyze a data set. (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1-6]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet C2 or C5 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015). Meets research methods requirement for CMR, CATS/PT and (ISRR) in the MAICS program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.