Professor Colette Daiute

            This course focuses on research that defines and applies social-relational theories of narrative discourse.   Uses of narrative as a research discourse and interpretive tool have become increasingly popular in social science research, although guiding theories and rationales have been diverse, sometimes conflicting, and often only implicit. This course includes a review of the major approaches to narrative research and analysis, and then focuses on those emphasizing the social-relational nature of narrative for inquiry into the development of individuals and society. We analyze various theory-based approaches to narrative design and analysis, such as positioning theory, socio-biographical analyses, narrating as a cultural-historical activity, “small story vs big story research,” dilemma analysis, life span studies, and psych-cultural aesthetic analyses.  Course readings show how such approaches are used in research on the development of knowledge, identity, and citizenship and in research on problems in contexts of socio-political change, conflict (inter-group tensions, armed conflict, etc.), immigration, illness, institutions (education, mental health).  By considering these diverse approaches, we maintain a critical stance on narrative research practices and outcomes and consider their relevance to class members’ areas of interest.  To help students apply the course to their own research, we also focus on narrative inquiry as way of formulating research questions, gathering data to address those questions, study design, and analysis of different types of data.

Coursework involves reading, discussion, inquiry work in class (a lab), and application to students’ research projects.  No pre-requisite or permission required.

*I have offered versions of narrative inquiry as a 3-credit full semester course, a 5-week module, and a one/two week intensive workshop.