Summer 2019 - POL 201 D100

Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (3)

Class Number: 4443

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 7, 2019
    Wed, 6:31–6:31 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 200 or permission of department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces quantitative research techniques in political science. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate quantitative political science research. Students with credit for IS 240 may not take POL 201 for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to basic statistics and regression techniques, which are the primary analytical methods used in political science research. Political science is largely an empirical discipline and students are expected to develop the ability to read, interpret and evaluate quantitative data used in political science and apply basic empirical analysis skills such as data presentation, statistical inference, and regression analysis. Specifically, this course has three main goals:

1) providing students with an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics, with emphasis on applications to political science;
2) exposing students to common and useful statistical techniques relevant to political science research;
3) familiarizing students with a statistical analysis software commonly used in political science – RStudio.

Throughout the semester, students will gain an understanding of fundamental techniques in quantitative methods and become equipped with the tools to conduct data analysis through the use of statistical software. In doing so, this course will prepare the students to better understand how political scientists conduct research in the field. Students will also acquire important analytical skills to assess and evaluate political events. POL 201 is one of the foundational courses in the Department’s Research Methods & Analysis Learning Track: http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/learning-streams.html

There will be one 3-hour lecture each week.

Grading

  • Lab Quizzes 15%
  • Midterms 20%
  • Take Home Final Exam 30%
  • Homework 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Agresti, Alan. Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences, 5th Edition, University of Florida, 2018.
ISBN: 13: 9780134512822

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