This course explores qualitative research theories, such as grounded theory, ethnography, discourse analysis, and rhetorical criticism, and analysis techniques to interpret qualitative data collected through data collection methods such as participant observation (emic and etic approaches); individual interviews; focus groups; case studies; document analysis (e.g., library sources and digital databases); action research; longitudinal studies; narrative and discourse approaches; and in-depth interview methods by utilizing rhetorical and ethnographical symbolic interpretations (Qualitative I). The course also introduces data collection tools such as qualitative surveys, web-based questionnaires, and interview questions. It teaches how to design a qualitative research project for a specific context; how to collect data and analyze it; distinguish primary and secondary sources; credible or misleading sources and how they impact the validity and reliability of data; and minimize the observer's or the researcher's personal bias. It also introduces software available for qualitative data analysis. The course addresses ethical issues in conducting qualitative research (Qualitative II). 3 Credits