Syllabus, valid from 2019-01-21
Syllabus, valid from 2019-01-21
Title
Political Science: Research Design and Methods
Swedish title
Statsvetenskap: Forskningsdesign och metod
Course code
ST623L
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2018-09-14
Syllabus valid from
2019-01-21
Level
Advanced level
Entry requirements
23.5 credits within the programme Political Science: Global Politics and Societal Change, Master’s Programme (One-Year) or within the programme Political Science: Global Politics and Societal Change, Master’s Programme
Main field
Political Science
Progression level
A1F
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course is part of the main field of study Political Science at advanced level and meets the degree requirements for the degree of Master, main field of study Political Science.
Course objectives
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to write an independent thesis.
Course contents
The course is preparatory for the thesis and focuses on the appropriate use of theory and methods in writing a masters thesis. The course pays particular attention to developing their ability to read research literature and to conduct an advanced literature review. It is designed to help train students as both researchers in academia, as well as in other fields of professional life. The course content includes critical discussions of research in the field of global political studies as well as techniques of communicating social science research issues.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate:
- in-depth knowledge and understanding of research methods appropriate to the study of global politics and societal change;
- understanding of how theory informs research design in the field, including how to place research questions within a specific field of study.
Skills and abilities
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate:
- an in-depth ability to analyse and evaluate data according to social scientific criteria, including how to develop coherent knowledge;
- an ability to communicate and engage in debates on social science research issues.
Judgment and approach
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate:
- an awareness of and capacity to address ethical issues involved in different research methodologies;
- a capacity to adopt a reflective approach to methodological approaches to the study of global politics and societal change;
- a capacity to reflect on how theoretical concepts structure the way in which we approach and study relevant phenomena.
Learning activities
Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and seminars. In addition, the students will organise and lead discussion workshops as part of an active learning environment.
Assessment
Assessment will focus on the ability of students to: demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of research methods, and data collection and analysis relevant to global political studies. Assessment is based upon both active participation within seminars, including presentations, and the successful completion of written assignments, including a state-of-the art literature review.
Course literature and other study material
- Halperin, Sandra & Oliver Heath (2012) Political Research - Methods and Practical Skills. Oxford: Oxford University Press
- Jackson, Patrick Thaddeus (2016) The Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations: Philosophy of Science and Its Implications for the Study of World Politics (Second edition). Abingdon: Routledge [FIRST EDITION AVAILABLE ONLINE VIA MAU LIBRARY]
- Roselle, Laura and Sharon Spray (2011) Research and Writing in International Relations (Second edition). London: Pearson
- Additional material of up to 300 pages
Course evaluation
The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).
Interim rules
If a course ceases to be available or has undergone any major changes, the students are to be offered two opportunities to retake the examination during the year following the change for re-examination, based on the syllabus which applied at registration.