Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - POL 315 D100

Intermediate Quantitative Methods (4)

Class Number: 6162

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 201 or permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces intermediate quantitative methods and data analysis. Teaches students how to build statistical models and apply them to social and political research. Also covers the fundamentals of probability, sampling, and causal inference; students will learns how to conduct their own data-driven research. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an intermediate-level exploration of quantitative data analysis in political science. It reviews and extends the material covered in introductory quantitative methods, particularly descriptive statistics and regression analysis. In this course, we will examine assumptions and choices in building regression models, while undertaking original research design and statistical analysis. At the end of this course, students should be well-equipped to apply rigorous data analysis to interesting and important political and social questions.     

The course includes both lab and lecture components. We will be using R as our primary tool for statistical computing. Students should be familiar with the R environment, but we will review and reinforce this material throughout the term.   

There will be two 2-hour lectures each week.

Grading

  • Lab/Homework Assignments 40%
  • Midterm Test 10%
  • Research Proposal 10%
  • Research Data Analysis 15%
  • Article Critique 10%
  • End-of-Term Test 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Jenkins-Smith, Hank C, et al., Quantitative Research Methods for Political Science, Public Policy and Public Administration (With Applications in R), 3rd Ed. University of Oklahoma Libraries, 2017. Online: https://shareok.org/handle/11244/52244

Grolemund, Garrett and Hadley Wickham. R for Data Science. http://r4ds.had.co.nz/

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

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