Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
50578:[2025 Spring]Qualitative Research Methods (P) 2025 Spring Fri2 College　Of　Policy　Science YAMAMOTO NAMI 2

Campus

OIC

Class Venue

AS461

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This course provides students with the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in a various qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups, observation, and action research. Throughout the course, students will conduct their own qualitative study, either individually or collaboratively, applying the skills acquired in class. This practice-oriented course aims to equip students with the ability to formulate relevant qualitative research questions, collect qualitative data using the methods covered, and analyze the obtained information. The culmination of the course involves students developing their own research proposals, incorporating key elements covered throughout the course. Students will give presentations of their research proposals, engage in peer-to-peer evaluation, and submit them as term papers to conclude the course.

Student Attainment Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able:
1. demonstrate a foundational understanding of qualitative research methods and their significance in research contexts.
2. design and conduct qualitative research, employing appropriate techniques for collecting and analyzing data.
3. strengthen critical communication and assessment skills to effectively present qualitative research findings and evaluate their peers' work.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1

Course Introduction (Online)

Course Overview, Objectives, Expectations, and Grading Policy

2

What is Qualitative Research?

Defining Qualitative Research
Understanding the Significance of Learning Qualitative Research
Exploring Approaches to Learning Qualitative Research

3

Ethical Issues in Social Research

Defining Ethics in Research
Importance of Addressing Ethical Issues Before Commencing Research
Integrating Ethical Considerations Throughout the Research Process

4

Developing Qualitative Research Design (1)

Selecting the Topic

5

Developing Qualitative Research Design (2)

Crafting Research Questions & Reviewing the Literature

6

Developing Qualitative Research Design (3)

Designing and Sampling

7

Developing Qualitative Research Design (4)

Designing Your Research

8

Data Collection Method (1)

Interview

9

Data Collection Method (2)

Observation

10

Qualitative Data Analytic Methods

Exploring techniques to analyze qualitative data

11

Crafting Research Proposals & Presentation Prep

What is Good Research?

12

Presentation (1)

Students Presenting Their Research Proposals
Feedback on Presentations by Peers

13

Presentation (2)

Students Presenting Their Research Proposals
Feedback on Presentations by Peers

14

Wrap-up Session

Reflections and Dialogue for Future Study

【+R-Jugyo】Information for “+R-Jugyo” will be posted on manaba+R.

Class Format

11 to 13 classes will be conducted on a face-to-face basis, with 3-1 classes delivered through media, either as live-streamed sessions or on-demand classes.

Recommendations for Private Study

- This course places a strong emphasis on students' active engagement; thus, students are expected to come to class prepared by completing pre-class assignments. This preparation will enable their active and meaningful participation in class discussions.

- Assigned readings and videos will be either available at the library/online or posted on Manaba prior to the class.

- Additionally, students are required to complete other assignments such as formulating their research proposals and crafting and finalizing presentations and term papers outside of regular class hours.

- All assignment deadlines will be strictly maintained, and no exceptions will be granted as a general rule. Hence, students are strongly advised to plan their work with consideration for potential unforeseen circumstances, such as internet connection issues or illness.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written)

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

Attendance and Participation 10%
Assignments 45%
Assigned Reading Presentation: 10%
Presentation 15%
Term Paper 20%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

1. Attendance, Punctuality, and Participation:

- Attendance, punctuality, and active participation are mandatory for this course. "Active participation" includes in-class contributions, active involvement in discussions, pair or group work, and providing constructive questions and comments on classmates' presentations.

- Students accumulating four (4) or more unexcused absences will receive a failing grade ('F') for the course. In cases requiring special consideration, substitute assignments may be accepted upon prior communication with the instructor.

2. Assignments

- Students are required to complete both pre- and post-class assignments. Detailed instructions will be provided during class sessions.

- All work must be submitted on Manaba R., no email submissions are accepted.

- All assignment deadlines will be strictly maintained, and no exceptions will be granted as a general rule. Hence, students are strongly advised to plan their work with consideration for potential unforeseen circumstances, such as internet connection issues or illness.

3. Assigned Reading Presentation

Students are required to deliver a presentation that provides a concise summary of the assigned materials
key takeaways.

4. Qualitative Research Proposal and Presentation

- Students are required to develop and present a research proposal, incorporating key elements covered throughout the course. Subsequently, the research proposal is to be submitted as a term paper to conclude the course.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

* Important details crucial for your successful completion of the course, including assignments and grading policies, will be provided on Day 1. All prospective students are advised to attend. In the event of inability to attend on Day 1, it is the students' responsibility to acquire the information.

* Active reading and engaged participation are prerequisites for the course. Students must be prepared to complete assignments and be open to exploring their curiosity, actively participating in team-based and class discussions.

* Vital class-related updates will be communicated via ManabaR. Regularly checking for updates is strongly recommended, and enabling reminder notifications is advised for effective preparation.

* The syllabus is subject to change as deemed appropriate and necessary by the instructor.

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

No textbooks are assigned for this course. Readings will be accessible either as E-Books in the library or will be made available in PDF format through Manaba-R prior to the class.

Reference Books

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
Fundamentals of Qualitative Research-Understanding Qualitative Research Johnny Saldana Oxford University Press 9780199737956 2011

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

You can access from Ritsumeikan University Library ProQuest Ebook Central at: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ritsumei/detail.action?docID=865323

Web Pages for Reference

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students,Other (Separate instructions will be provided)

Other Comments

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