Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - POL 802 G100

Political Research: Design and Analysis (5)

Class Number: 5334

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Fri, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the practice of quantitative data analysis in political science. The lecture component of the course will explore a variety of the most commonly used statistical methods; in the laboratory component, students will learn to apply these techniques to the analysis of social science data. Through assignments, students will have the opportunity to develop and test their own hypotheses and explanations on major research data sets. The course should provide a sound grasp of the possibilities, methods, and dangers inherent in quantitative political research.

Study aims:
(a) Learn methods of statistical analysis using topics and datasets from the empirical political science literature, and
(b) familiarize students with statistical software and data management. The course uses a range of datasets from across political science, focusing on topics such as social capital, voter turnout, cabinet duration, demonstration activity and class voting.

Course Organization: There will be a 2 hour lecture followed by a 2 hour lab session each week.

Grading

  • Lab Assignments 40%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Agresti A. and Finley, B. (2009), Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences. 4th ed. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS