GEO 600
Methods in Geography
Fall 2013
Thurs 3:00–5:45
Professor Tad Mutersbaugh
POT 871
257-1316
COURSE WEBPAGE:
1. Learning objectives
GEO 600 is a survey of
methods and methodological debates used in geographical research. By the end of
the semester, students will have
1)
gained a general knowledge of geographic methods debates
surrounding their use,
2)
acquired a basic understanding of how to do research using various analytic
methods, and
3)
come to understand the epistemological underpinnings of methodological choices.
2. Course description
With these goals in mind, the
readings have been selected to introduce students to the scope of
methodological approaches with which geographers are currently engaged and
provide a sampling of references and resources that may help researchers work
through the nuts and bolts of the research process. Many of the items on the reading list are chapters of books
that you might want to read in their entirety. For example, although we read
only one chapter of it for this class, Fowler's Improving
Survey Questions: Design and Evaluation
provides an excellent overview for anyone trying to design a survey questionnaire. This course is thus designed to prepare students to do
research at the MA level and provide a jumping off point for PhD students
(who will also take an advanced methods class in their chosen area).
3. Course requirements and
Grading
A basic requirement is to
come to class prepared, having completed the weekly readings and undertaken the weekly methods exercise (in those weeks when assigned). Absences from
class will be negatively reflected in seminar grades, and anyone who misses
four classes or more will automatically—under university rules—receive a failing grade in this seminar
(barring a university approved excuse and special arrangements agreed upon
between us). Each student is expected to be an active participant in classroom
discussions based on a thorough engagement with the weekly reading. Fifty
percent of your grade will be based
on reading, attendance and participation.
Readings will be available each week online.
There are two writing
assignments, one for each of the two
units (first will be due Week 8 and the second Exam week). These will comprise
the other fifty percent of your
grade. Each is an essay of 10-15 pages, and for each you have a choice of doing
one of the following:
Paper 1:
1) Engage with methodological debates pertaining to the
topics discussed in class. Use course readings as a starting point but also go
beyond these in your research and discussion.
2)
Review, compare, critique and evaluate the
methodologies of a set of five or so articles that take a similar
methodological approach (e.g. five studies using multi-level modeling, five
ethnographies, five studies using focus groups, etc.).
Paper 1 will be peer-graded
Paper 2: