Spring Semester Course
PRC 602 – Social Research for Social Change
Social research is foundational to engaging communities and developing a more equitable society. This course introduces you to the fundamental research skills that will allow you to move beyond assumptions and engage in participatory community-based research that contributes to social progress. With a focus on both theory and field methods, this course equips you to become a community-based researcher with a skillset in a diversity of social research methods such as interviewing, participant observation, transect walks, collecting oral histories, documentary storytelling, and analyzing data.
- Understand the social, political and ethical aspects of knowledge production
- Design holistic research plans in line with community-based research best practices
- Conduct literature reviews
- Define a research problem and refine a hypothesis
- Assess methods of data collection and distinguish between qualitative and quantitative concepts and approaches
- Present findings in community contexts
- Draw evidence-based conclusions from research findings that inform community projects
The goal is to create social researchers who understand the models available and can carry out their own research projects that underpin effective community development programs.
Class Meeting Time
Cost
Continuing Education Rate
Scholarship
Course Faculty
Julie is Director of Research for the Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN), a link- tank for policy-relevant research toward post-carbon livelihoods and communities. She is a lecturer in the Environmental Studies Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara, works with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals to support tribes in climate change adaptation planning, and co-facilitates Rising Voices.. Read More
Dr. Julie Maldonado
Associate Professor
About our Learning Model
Future Generations University utilizes a unique blended learning model. Our programs combine different streams of instruction to adapt to students’ learning styles and foster community-based learning. All courses include face-to-face (either in person or via Zoom Video-Conferencing) and online components, and are complemented by applied fieldwork in communities (called Community Labs).
Rich while Remote Learning: Small Live-online Classes with Practitioner-Faculty and Peers around the world and across the US. Applied Practical Assignments that center around your community work. Mobile-first Course Materials and Online Resources.