University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This course is an introduction to qualitative, narrative inquiry with a focus on biographical research. It is organized around the theory, method and practice of socio-biography. The seminar is practice and project based; of interest to those who want to advance knowledge and practice socio-biographical and narrative inquiry research methods. Theory, methods and practices of socio-biographical research 1. Sources and Methods Documents of life (auto/biography, archives, letters, diaries, images, talk and text) Finding, collecting and eliciting socio-biographical stories Interpreting, Analysing and Writing socio-biographical stories 2. Issues Narrative: Linking Biography and History Narrator-Listener interactions Ethical Issues 3. Analysis, Representation Biographical and Thematic analysis 4. Presentation: Project Work
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. To introduce students to scholarly debates and practices on the use of socio-biographical narrative in the social sciences
  2. To familiarize students to the different forms of narrative; life stories, personal narratives, auto/biography, community narratives, family history….and the various media in which stories can be conveyed; oral, visual and written.
  3. To develop student research skills.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Doing Narrative Research. Sage" by Andrews, M., Squire, C. and Tamboukou. M
    ISBN: 300.72 DOI.
  2. "Handbook of Narrative Inquiry: mapping a methodology" by Clandinin, D.J
    ISBN: 001.42 HAN.
  3. "Narratives in Social Science Research (Introducing Qualitative Methods series)" by Czarniawska, B.
    ISBN: 300.72 CZA.
    Publisher: Sage: UK
  4. "Researching Life Stories and Family Histories" by Miller, R.L
    ISBN: 929.1 MIL.
    Publisher: UK: Sage
  5. "Walking Methods: Research on the Move." by O’Neill, M and Brian Roberts
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module SP694: "The Power of Story and Narrative: Researching Our Lives" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.