 The
Field Studies course is designed to combine work in the
public/non-profit sector and qualitative ethnographic
research. Field Studies is a three-series course which
introduces the theories, principles and methods of
conducting qualitative research (participant observation) in
Social Sciences by placing students in non-profit community
agencies for two quarters. Its intent is to provide students
with a community service experience while enhancing their
research skills. The course acquaints students with general
issues involved in conducting research, including ethics,
validity, and reliability. Research methods covered in this
course include literature review, research design, data
collection, and data analysis. By the end of the academic
term, students will generate and develop research interests
and produce an original research paper.
The fall quarter provides students with a strong foundation
on field placement, the conceptualization of a research
topic, and research design. Winter quarter provides a
thorough exposure to various qualitative research methods
for successful ethnographic research. Spring quarter
requires majors to data analyze and complete the year-long
research project.
FALL COURSE OVERVIEW
During the fall quarter, students will conduct initial
exploratory research that include:
• Identifying a social/community issue of interest.
• Identifying multiple public and community agencies
working to address the identified
social/community issue. o Mission, vision, values,
population served, services provided,
sources of funding, opportunities for
volunteers/interns
• Conducting a literature review addressing the
social/community issue in general (big picture.)
• Seeking and acquiring a field placement at a public or
community service agency serving the
social/community issue of interest.
• Working with the service provider to identify the research
question(s) to be explored.
• Conducting a literature review to narrow the focus of the
identified research question(s).
• Developing a research proposal that will guide their research
during the winter and spring quarters.
WINTER COURSE OVERVIEW
During the winter quarter, Field Studies in Public and
Community Service offers an opportunity to participate
directly in an ongoing scientific research project while
pursuing studies in Social Science theory, method, and data
collection. Specific research methods covered in this course
(193ABC) will include literature review, research design,
data collection, and data analysis. The core of the
experience is to gain knowledge and skills in participant
observations, structured and semi-structured interviews, and
focus groups. Students attain the opportunity to keep a
field binder collecting real data and compiling important
weekly to identify main themes of a social phenomena and
developing findings. Most importantly, this quarter is
dedicated to refining the researcher’s data collection
skills for the application of their study.
SPRING COURSE OVERVIEW
The focus of the spring quarter is to refine the students’
analytical skills in the research process. More
specifically, students will analyze (by enumeration, coding,
cut and paste) collected data (gathered during Winter and
Spring quarters), expand their theoretical knowledge,
revisit theoretical models based on their observations,
identify the specific emergent themes in their observations,
and explain their findings. Students will generate research
implications and provide the agency directives for future
practice based on the research findings. Each student will
further develop their research skills and revise their
original research paper developed during Fall and Winter
quarters.
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