It will especially focus on causes and consequences of rapid social change, including revolutions, coups, and insurgent movements. It will examine the role of Islam and tribalism in these movements. Students work in teams to identify a research problem, design and conduct research bearing on this problem, and write a research report. Discussion and review of students' progress and problems. Consideration of the relationship between change and power, influence, planning, and control.
Specific topics vary with instructor.
Reliability and validity of information. Formulation of research strategies. Methods of observation and data collection. Ethical issues in social research. Consideration given to various approaches such as ethnomethodology, content analysis, and case studies.