1) To learn about the values and principles of collaborative partnerships in research with community organizations,
2) To critically reflect on the potential and significance of community-based research and collaborative work with community organizations
3) To learn how to plan a community based project in partnership with a community organization in human services work.
4) To develop a small proposal for a community-based research project that uses qualitative research methodology and methods.

Course syllabus

Community-based, Participative Qualitative Research is aninnovative course that builds on qualitative research to add a community focus that can engage organizations and people meaningfully as partners in research projects that are of interest and significance to them. The community partners add their ideas to the research design and collaborate with the student or academic researchers to develop a project that will be of use to both. In many cases such research may be for a graduate student’s research project or a degree, a faculty member’s community project work and may add to a community organization’s knowledge about how to carry out evaluation of programs and services or to assess needs for new or better services. The course will not enable students to go beyond developing an idea for a research project but it will provide information on how community-based qualitative research could be useful and applied in community projects. Often such projects can also be stimulating and empowering for those who participate.  

Students will be asked to do some preparatory reading in qualitative research and participative methods in research prior to the start of the course and to read material for each class session. There will be some short class lectures, video clips, small group and class discussions and experiential activities during each of the class sessions.

The course is aimed at students who have prior knowledge of qualitative research. It is suitable for students who are completing their intermediate studies, or doing advanced or PhD studies.

The course consists of 6 class sessions.