Course will offer a theoretical background for conducting qualitative inquiry in social science research and practical experience in the design of research studies. Efforts focus on understanding how the type or tradition of qualitative inquiry shapes study design across conceptualization and research question formation phases as well as preliminary considerations about evidence. Critical perspectives in qualitative inquiry also explored. Through comparative analysis of different qualitative traditions, students will be prepared to make informed decisions about what approaches to use in their studies and why they are using them.