Preserving the craft: reflections on teaching an interpretive methods spring school

Since 2017 we have taught a spring school on interpretive political science via the National Centre for Research Methods at the University of Southampton. In this chapter, we reflect on the challenges and rewards. We think the event has four values. First, it is a 'safe space' that reassures uncertain or conflicted newcomers of the legitimacy of this craft. Second, it offers catharsis, allowing participants to express fears and doubts about pursuing a research career. Third, it helps participants to begin building a network of like-minded but equally isolated colleagues across disparate institutions and countries. Last, it helps pass on experiential knowledge, not just tools. Its key value, in other words, lies in its capacity to support the interpretive study of politics and policy (see Schwartz-Shea 2021; Wagenaar and Bartels forthcoming). At heart, we believe that structured training opportunities are a key means of preserving this important craft.