About the Course

INTRODUCTION

Certificate Course on Doing Digital Sociology with AI: A Qualitative Toolkit

This certificate course offers a dynamic introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative research in the age of artificial intelligence. Grounded in the discipline of Sociology, it equips learners with classical qualitative tools and introduces digital techniques using AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Voyant Tools, NVivo, and ATLAS.ti. The course addresses how sociologists can leverage AI to enhance reflexivity, streamline analysis, and engage with new forms of digital data in an ethically grounded manner.

OBJECTIVES

• Understand philosophical foundations of qualitative research within digital contexts.
• Learn traditional and AI-augmented data collection and analysis methods.
• Develop the ability to use AI tools for transcription, coding, and pattern recognition.
• Reflect on researcher positionality and ethics in algorithm-mediated environments.
• Apply learned skills to design and complete an independent qualitative mini-project.

Distinctive Features

• AI Integration: Introduces AI tools like ChatGPT, NVivo, Voyant Tools, and ATLAS.ti.
• Hybrid Research Approach: Combines classical qualitative methods with digital sociology frameworks.
• Field + Digital: Encourages both offline fieldwork and online ethnography.
• Project-Oriented: Completion of a small-scale qualitative study using AI-supported analysis.
• Interdisciplinary & Practical: Relevance across social sciences, media studies, education, and public health.