This course is designed to assist the novice and intermediate researcher in understanding the history, purposes, and aspects of strong qualitative research. Through course readings, written assignments, guest speakers, and group discussion, participants will build on prior knowledge of qualitative research methods and examine the role of theory in research, validity and ethical considerations, and gain experience presenting research proposals. This course will also provide participants with experiences in participant observation, writing fieldnotes, interviewing, transcription, and coding.