82141 - Laboratory Of Qualitative Social Research 2 and Social Intervention

Learning outcomes

The course aims to deepen theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to social research carried out with qualitative creative methods through laboratory exercises that aim to analyse emerging social phenomena. In particular, some methodological approaches of a participatory nature and based on creative methods, such as action research, arts-based research, photovoice and mapping, will be explored in the course. At the end of the workshop, students will acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to design and carry out social research by adopting a qualitative methodology based on creative and participatory methods. Moreover, they will be able to critically analyse the results emerging from empirical social research.

Course contents

Over the last few decades, qualitative social research has been enriched with various tools and methods that, by adopting a participatory and creative approach, are essential for investigating emerging social phenomena. Such methods are able to open up social research to the participants, sometimes fostering processes of knowledge co-construction through artistic devices (arts-based methods). During the workshop, therefore, an attempt will be made to understand and explore the main creative methods that can be adopted in social research, their characteristics and limitations. Furthermore, it will focus on the phase of choosing research methods according to the questions that are formulated, but also on the process of data collection, analysis and dissemination.

In particular, the workshop will cover the following topics:

- Introduction to creative qualitative methods;

- In-depth study of some creative methods (e.g. photovoice, mapping, performative methods, etc.), from the choice of the method to data collection and analysis;

- Action research;

- Analysis of the peculiarities and criticalities of creative and participatory qualitative methods;

- Ethics in qualitative social research;

- Dissemination of results.

The in-depth study of specific qualitative methods will be accompanied by the presentation and analysis of various social research that will facilitate the learning of theoretical, methodological and practical knowledge.

Readings/Bibliography

Giorgi, A., Pizzolati, M., Vacchelli, E. (2021). Metodi creativi per la ricerca sociale. Contesto, pratiche e strumenti. Bologna, Il Mulino.

Moralli, M. (2020). Action Research in Practice: Towards a Co-Construction between Academics and Artists. In: Right to the City, Performing Arts and Migration, Milano, Franco Angeli, pp. 46 –65.

Teaching methods

The course favours an approach based on participative and active teaching. The workshop is subdivided into thematic blocks and will be supported by technological materials, in-depth discussions on concrete social research cases, practical exercises, and collective analysis of research projects. In particular, the course will be structured around the discussion of empirical cases of qualitative social research and classroom exercises.

The lessons will therefore be structured as follows:

- theoretical lectures focused on creative qualitative methods, accompanied by empirical examples;

- lessons dedicated to group work on the research project;

- lessons presenting the materials collected.

The workshop will also include the realisation of a research project aimed at testing in the field the qualitative methods introduced.

Assessment methods

STUDENTS ATTENDING CLASSES

To be considered as attending classes, students must participate in a classroom exercise that involves the use of a creative method in conducting a fieldwork. This activity will not be assessed but will serve to provide a concrete understanding of how creative qualitative methods can be used in social research.

Learning will be assessed through the completion of a written research project, to be carried out in groups, on a current social issue chosen by the group itself.

To facilitate classroom discussion, the project should focus on one of the following areas:

1. migration and cultural diversity

2. climate change and socio-environmental justice

3. urban regeneration and public space

Each group will then have to choose the area in which it prefers to carry out its research, identify an issue and one (or more) research question(s) and develop a project proposal accordingly.

In particular, the aspects that will be assessed in the research project will be:

. clarity of presentation;

. transparency in the choices made;

. consistency between the different sections of the project;

. understanding of the use of creative methods;

. consideration of ethical issues.

Specific guidelines on how to develop the research project will be published on Virtuale at the beginning of the course.

For the final assessment, the following aspects will be evaluated: active participation in class, the implementation and presentation of the research project, and the critical evaluation of the projects presented.

 

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS

Learning will be assessed through the completion of a written research project, to be carried out in groups, on a current social issue chosen by the group itself. At the beginning of the course, students will be asked via Virtuale to email the professor with the name of the group and its participants.

The project must focus on one of the following areas:

1. migration and cultural diversity

2. climate change and socio-environmental justice

3. urban regeneration and public space

Each group must then choose the area in which it prefers to conduct its research, identify an issue and one (or more) research questions, and develop a project proposal accordingly.

In particular, the aspects that will be evaluated in the research project will be:

. clarity of presentation;

. transparency in the choices made;

. consistency between the different sections of the project;

. understanding of the use of creative methods;

. consideration of ethical issues.

Specific guidelines on how to develop the research project will be published on Virtuale at the beginning of the course.

For the final assessment, the following aspects will be evaluated: the implementation and presentation of the research project and the critical evaluation of the projects presented.

Teaching tools

PPTs related to the topics addressed during the course, possible in-depth study with audiovisual material and group work. An extensive bibliography in Italian, English and French will be provided for those wishing to study the workshop subject in greater depth.

Office hours

See the website of Melissa Moralli