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ANTH 7333

Data Analysis

Spring 2009  Heroy 426 Tues. 6:30-9:20 p.m.

Prof. Robert V. Kemper   phone: 214-768-2928   email: rkemper@smu.edu

Course Description: In this course students explore various methods of data analysis using their own data sets or those of a member of the faculty. The class combines lecture and discussion with hands-on applications. Prerequisites: ANTH 5344 and 6302 (or STAT equivalent) or permission of instructor.

SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE

SYLLABUS

Readings/Materials

Bernard, H. Russell (2002) Research Methods in Anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.  Fourth Edition. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press.

Kemper, Robert V. and Anya Peterson Royce (editors) (2002) Chronicling Cultures. Walnut Creek, CA: Altamira Press.

Additional materials will be found on reserve at the ISEM Library and/or on the course web site.  In addition, CD-based data sets will be distributed in class and/or placed on reserve at the ISEM Library.

Course Requirements

1. Exercises with assigned data sets (10% each for 4 exercises; total of 40%). Note: some exercises will be done individually; others in teams.

2. Summary/reflections on chapters in Chronicling Cultures (2% each for 10 reports; total of 20%).

3. A major data analysis project resulting in a "poster" presentation (25%) -- to be presented at the last class meeting, 28 April.

4. Class participation (15%).

The SMU Student “Code of Conduct”

Students are expected to abide by the SMU Code of Conduct in all matters related to this course, including work inside and outside of the classroom.  For details, please see http://www.smu.edu/studentlife/PCL_03_Conduct_Code.asp

Excused Absences for University Extracurricular Activities

Students participating in an officially sanctioned, scheduled University extracurricular activity will be given the opportunity to make up class assignments or other graded assignments missed as a result of their participation.  It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the instructor prior to any missed scheduled examination or other missed assignment for making up the work.  (University Undergraduate Catalogue)

Altschuler Learning Enhancement Center

Students who require extra assistance with writing, reading, or test-taking should consult the Altschuler Learning Enhancement Center staff.  For details, please see http://www.smu.edu/alec/home/

Disability Accommodations

Students needing academic accommodations for a disability must first contact Ms. Rebecca Marin, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities (214-768-4557) to verify the disability and establish eligibility for accommodations.  They should then schedule an appointment with the professor to make appropriate arrangements.  (See University Policy No. 2.4.)  Please see http://www.smu.edu/studentlife/OSSD_Facts.asp

Religious Observances

Religiously observant students wishing to be absent on holidays that require missing class should notify their professors in writing at the beginning of the semester, and should discuss with them, in advance, acceptable ways of making up any work missed because of the absence.  (See University Policy No. 1.9.)

SCHEDULE

DATE

TOPIC

Be prepared to discuss Bernard, Chapters 1-7.

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapters 1-5 (review)

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, Preface and Introductory essay.

Be prepared to discuss Bernard, Chapters 8-12.

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapters 6-10.

 

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 1

====================

Approaches to Qualitative Data

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapter 11-12.

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 2

La Pelle, Nancy (2004) "Simplifying Qualitative Data Analysis Using General Purpose Software Tools," Field Methods 16(1):85-108. 

Ryan, Gery W. (2004) "Using a Word Processor to Tag and Retrieve Blocks of Text," Field Methods 16(1):109-130. 

Recommended Readings:

Silverman, David (1993) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing Talk, Text, and Interaction. London: Sage Publications. see especially chapters 4 and 9.

Discuss: Exercise #1 -- "The State of the States: An Analysis of State News in USA Today"  Due: 3 February.

Approaches to Qualitative Data

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapter 13-14.

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 3

Recommended Reading:

LeCompte, Margaret D. and Jean J. Schensul (1999) Analyzing & Interpreting Ethnographic Data.  Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press.

Student Reports: Exercise #1 -- "The State of the States: An Analysis of State News in USA Today" 

Quantitative Approaches to Qualitative Data

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapter 15-16

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 4

Discussion: Exercise #2 (Frito-Lay Tom Thumb Visual Data)

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapter 17

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 5

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapter 18

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 6

Student Reports: Exercise #2 (Frito-Lay Tom Thumb Visual Data)

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapter 19

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 7

Discuss Exercise #3 (Tzintzuntzan Data Sets)

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapter 20

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 8

Student Presentations: Exercise #3 (Tzintzuntzan Data Sets)

Discuss Exercise #4 (Stewpot Data)

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapter 21 (first part)

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 9

Student Presentations: Exercise #4 (Stewpot Data)

Readings:

Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapter 21 (second part)

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 10

Kemper et al. (1983) "Tourism as a Cultural Domain: The Case of Taos, New Mexico"

Readings:

Tufte, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information (second edition)

Tufte, Envisioning Information

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 11

Readings:

TBA

Kemper and Royce, Chronicling Cultures, chapter 12

Poster Session for Student Data Analysis Projects