Fall 2019 - POL 801 G100

Epistemological and Theoretical Perspectives in Political Science (5)

Class Number: 7871

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is concerned with methodology and epistemological questions rather than the specific techniques used by political scientists That is, the course will is an invitation to reflect on the reasons why certain methods are used in the contemporary study of politics and their epistemological justifications, rather than on the “nuts and bolts” in the researchers’ tool kit, although it may be necessary to take a closer look at a few methods not covered in other courses in the curriculum (e.g., game theory).

The course begins with an overview of the most salient issues in the philosophy of the social sciences, and then turns to an analysis and comparison of inductive, deductive and interpretive approaches. This is a four-hour seminar; at least an hour will be devoted to students’ presentations and to in-class discussions of the weekly topic.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will write a major research paper (4,000 words) on a topic of their choice; two short papers((1,800 - 2,000 words each): i) a critical analysis of the readings assigned for a given weekly topic in the syllabus; ii) a “compare and contrast” discussion of two approaches in the philosophy of social science (e.g., critical realism vs relativism); and finally a  short paper (1,200 – 1,600 words) expanding on their oral presentation of an assigned text from the reading list.

Grading

  • Research Paper 40%
  • Oral presentation & Written follow up &Participation 20%
  • Short papers (20% each) 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Relevant materials will be posted on Canvas or will be accessible on the SFU Library website.

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://www.sfu.ca/students/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