Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - POL 201 D100

Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (4)

Class Number: 7150

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 18, 2020
    Fri, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Corequisites:

    POL 200W 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. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

The objective of this module is to introduce students to the practice of quantitative data analysis in the social sciences. The lecture component of the module will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of quantitative measurement, and statistical description, causal inference, and hypothesis testing. It will also provide a foundation for understanding the statistical models used in the social sciences. In the laboratory component, students will learn to apply these techniques to the analysis of social science data. Through lab assignments, students will have the opportunity to test hypotheses and explanations on major research data sets. The module should provide a sound grasp of the possibilities, methods, and dangers inherent in quantitative social and political research. I assume no prior background with using a statistical computer package; however, you will spend significant time in the course learning how to use computers to conduct statistical analyses.

Course Format:

Each week will have 5 x 20 minutes = 100 minutes of asynchronous lecture time, 50 minutes of online synchronous meeting time (optional except for the weeks of September 14th, October 26th, November 2nd which are mandatory), and 110 minutes of online synchronous tutorials.

Grading

  • Lab Assignments 30%
  • Problem Sets 15%
  • Mid‐Term Exam -- in 2 parts 25%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 

BY KELLSTEDT, PAUL M. AND WHITTEN, GUY D.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

PUBLICATION DATE: JUL. 26, 2018


ISBN: 9781316642672

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).