This is a three-day course, structured in two parts. Part I discusses what qualitative methods are suitable for, the logic of inference underlying qualitative research, and the most common within-case and cross-case research designs used in qualitative social science, including process tracing and controlled comparisons. Part II turns the attention toward specific methods for data collection and data analysis, covering participant observation, interviewing, focus groups, archival research, content analysis and coding techniques. 

Mode of instructions

Mix of lectures, discussion and practical activities. 

Reading list

A list of four books that are exemplars of some of the methods covered in the class will be provided. Participants must choose at least one book and read it as background for the course.  In addition, a full syllabus will be released one month before the start date of the course. Participants are expected to prepare all of the material before each class meeting. This will entail preparation in the weeks before the course starts and, during the course, on the “off” days when class isn’t meeting. 

Fees

Target group	One day	Two days	Three days
PhD candidates FSW	FREE	FREE	FREE
Staff FSW	€330	€440	€550
Other Leiden University PhD candidates	€235	€345	€455
Externals	€490	€655	€820