Interpretive Methods in the Social Sciences

This course provides students with an introduction to interpretive methods in the social sciences. Students will learn to “read” texts and images while also becoming familiar with contemporary thinking about interpretation, narrative, ethnography, and social construction. Among the methods we shall explore are: semiotics, hermeneutics, ideology critique, ordinary language philosophy, and discourse analysis.

Requirements: Students will complete short assignments on each method (60 percent), will attend class regularly and participate avidly in class discussions (10 percent) and will develop one assignment into a longer essay (30 percent). Note that it is hard to complete the class assignments without being present in class. Many of the exercises we do in class will contribute to the homework.

PLSC 33300 | ANTH 33300 | CCCT 33300