Critical Theory in Qualitative Research

Course Description

Summary

Qualitative inquiry seeks to discover and to describe in narrative reporting what particular people do in their everyday lives and what the actions mean to them. This course is intended for students who wish to learn more about the impact of theoretical frameworks on their ongoing knowledge projects at Bennington College. A critical theoretical lens in qualitative research is a transformative perspective that shapes the types of questions asked and informs the methodological design of the study by specifically providing an overall orienting lens for the study of questions of race, gender, and class. As a 4000-level reading and writing intensive course, our learning process includes examining major critical inquiry frameworks, leaning heavily on critical race theory, intersectionality, and critical feminism(s). This course will also analyze and synthesize literature and research on various theoretical frameworks to better support students coming into their theoretical standpoints. Students will be asked to identify valuable recommendations from the readings, reflect on their goals for their Bennington College projects, and how their lived experiences inform the shaping of their projects.