Course syllabus spring 2020
Course syllabus spring 2020
Title
Political Science: Social Science Methods for Global Politics
Swedish title
Statsvetenskap: Samhällsvetenskapliga metoder för global politik
Course code
ST624L
Credits
15 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
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, Master’s Programme
Level
Advanced level
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 Master’s 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
After completing the course Social Science Methods for Global Politics, students should be able to:
- Critically consider different methodological choices and make use of appropriate research methods in the study of global politics, even with limited information,
- Critically identify and discuss theoretical issues in the formulation of research questions and to support the choice of method,
- Collect and systematize appropriate materials within a given area of research,
- Analyze and evaluate the empirical data with regard to relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects,
- Produce written and oral presentation of research results.
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
- Hammond, Michael and Jerry Welllington (2012) Research Methods: The Key Concepts. London: Routledge. ONLINE ACCESS VIA MAU LIBRARY
- Roselle, Laura and Sharon Spray (2011) Research and Writing in International Relations. Second edition. London: Pearson
- Additional material of up to 150 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 is no longer offered or has undergone major changes, students will be offered a minimum of two re-take sessions based on the syllabus in force at registration during a period of one year from the date of the implementation of the changes.