in search of some classics

Jay Lemke (jllbc who-is-at cunyvm.cuny.edu)
Sun, 09 Aug 1998 17:53:00 -0400

One of my professional tasks this year is to propose a preliminary reading
list and bibliography for a new, introductory level PhD course in
methodology in the human sciences (particularly for people planning
research on/in educational institutions).

Since students in the program will be taking other courses that focus on
traditional quantitative methods, this course will be about (a) issues in
the selection of research methods, and (b) qualitative-interpretive
methodology. The course is first of all truly a course in "methodology",
that is inquiry into fundamental issues surrounding the origins, selection,
justification, uses and limitations of various research methods, and only
secondarily an introduction to a range of such methods. Students have the
option of taking further specialized courses in many different specific
methods, in the context of their disciplines of origin.

I am looking to create a set of Readings, and a Bibliography, of classic
essays on methodological issues and exemplary research studies exhibiting
various methods (and combinations of methods) in use.

What in your (our separate and collective) opinions are some of the most
valuable writings of this kind, especially in such areas as: ethnographic
methods, AT methods, historical methods, CA and ethnomethological methods,
discourse analysis methods, critical theory methods, methods in gender
studies, sociological methods, semiotic methods, visual analysis and
videographic methods, etc.??

You need not respond with a long list (unless you already have such
bibliographies handy!). I am looking for your personal favorites, for
articles and books/chapters that have influenced your thinking about
methodology and your actual practice. Anything with direct reference to
education is appreciated, but not necessary. Remember that I am looking not
just for discussion of methodology, but also for exemplary studies that
demonstrate the methods in use. Citations to your own work are most welcome.

While the focus is on qualitative-interpretive methods, discussions
comparing such approaches to quantitative methods are also of value, as are
exemplary studies combining both.

Anything sent in electronic form by email (including attached files) is
doubly easy to use, but paper copies can also be sent to me at 120
Highbrook Avenue, Pelham NY 10803 USA.

I will, of course, send one or two summaries of responses back to xmca, and
at some point in the near future, at least the bibliography, and perhaps
the course outline, will be available on my website (and if desired the
bibliography could be kept as well on the MCA website and added to in the
future).

Hoping that this project may turn out to the benefit of a large community
... JAY.

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JAY L. LEMKE
PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION
CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
JLLBC who-is-at CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU
<http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/education/jlemke/index.htm>
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