UMass Boston

Students walk up steps to plaza through fall trees past Campus Center.
Analytical Methods II for Planners: Qualitative Techniques

Course Overview

Date / Time Location Credits Minimium Tuition*
9/2/25 - 12/12/25
Th 5:30p.m. – 8:15p.m.		 McCormack M03-0415 3 $2657 (guest students)
Date
9/2/25 - 12/12/25
Time
Th 5:30p.m. – 8:15p.m.
Location
McCormack M03-0415
Credits
3
Min. Tuition*
$2657 (guest students)

Description

This class is designed to expose participants to the purpose, scope and procedures of qualitative research, applied in difference disciplines but especially in geography and urban planning/studies. It provides an opportunity for students to create qualitative research design schemes, and critically analyze research using these methods. Initially, the seminar will focus on the philosophy of science, the construction of knowledge, the place of qualitative methods in the academy (and the people who use them), and positivistic/non-positivistic models. Next, with this epistemological base students will explore specific techniques/processes in qualitative research including: focus groups, ethnography (both participant and non-participant observation), feminist ethnography, both guided and open ended interviews, case studies, action research, visceral methods, discourse analysis, photo voice, body mapping and autobiographical essays. Students will critically examine the epistemological assumptions, the comparative strengths and weaknesses, and the appropriate domains of qualitative case study methods and alternative approaches.

Prerequisites

UPCD 600 and UPCD 620

Guest registration opens August 18

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Course Details

Session

Regular Academic Session

Class Dates

9/2/2025 - 12/12/2025

Location

McCormack M03-0415

Enrolled / Capacity

7 / 15

Status

Closed

Instructor

To be Announced

Tuition*

$2657 (guest students)

* The tuition estimate is based on minimum, single-course cost to a new student who is a Massachusetts resident and not enrolled in a multi-course program. State residency, online/in person modality, and matriculation to a degree program may affect cost.

Tuition Details