UF Center for Latin American Studies
This course aims to empower students working in Latin America to develop greater understanding of research design and methods through practical activities, rigorous inquiry and critical assessment. Course participants will examine some of the main philosophical- theoretical approaches and methods applied by scholars and practitioners working in the interdisciplinary field of Latin American Studies. Philosophical-theoretical traditions ("paradigms") shape and support the whole process of research inquiry, design, implementation and analysis, and can vary across individuals, communities, and contexts. "Methods" are tools used to gather, organize, and analyze information. The course will frame the content with respect for ethical foundations and cultural diversity in approaching knowledge. It will prepare graduate students for fieldwork by integrating methodological theory, in-class exercises and mini projects to ground principles and concepts in practical experience. We will consider the advantages and challenges of mixed methods, participatory approaches, and transdisciplinary research. Our exploration of methods will be contextualized with attention to research positionality, theoretical stances, intersectionalities (gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class), and responsibilities to our research communities and partners. Participants will utilize the course information to develop a formal research proposal, which is the main product and evaluative component of the course.
ProfessorDr. Catherine Tucker
Associate Director of Academic Affairs
Professor
Center for Latin American Studies
Department of Anthropology
tuckerc@ufl.edu
352-392-0690
Research interests
Environmental governance, community-based conservation, institutional analysis, climate change adaptation, belief systems, sustainability
Geographic expertise
Central America, Mexico, and Peru
