Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - POL 201 D200

Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (4)

Class Number: 4193

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.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:

Quantitative research methods can look a lot like witchcraft.  Practitioners use arcane symbols and formulae to produce results which are often equally incomprehensible to the untrained observer. Much like a magic spell, quantitative analysis can drive real change by providing hard evidence.  In this course, we will demystify these powerful techniques, allowing students to claim this magic as their own.

This course focuses on the conceptual underpinnings of quantitative research in political science.  Learning outcomes include quantitative data literacy, and the ability to calculate and select among various measures. Those interested in learning to use specific tools (e.g., R, Python) should take advantage of the many excellent workshops offered by the SFU Student Learning Commons.

Grading

  • Assignment 1 5%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Assignment 2 20%
  • Assignment 3 25%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Franco, J. (2020). Introduction to Political Science Research Methods. Creative Commons.


Keman, H., & Woldendorp, J. J. (2016). Handbook of research methods and applications in political science / edited by Hans Keman, Jaap J. Woldendorp. Edward Elgar Publishing.


Brady, Henry E. (2008), ' Causation and Explanation in Social Science', in Janet M. Box-Steffensmeier, Henry E. Brady, and David Collier (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Political Methodology, https://doi-org.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199286546.003.0010.


Hanneman, Robert A. (2012). Basic Statistics for Social Research, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, ProQuest Ebook Central.


Required Resource

Statistics Anxiety Rating Scale (STARS) from Cruise, R.J., Cash, R.W. & Bolton, D.L. (1985). Development and validation of an instrument to measure statistical anxiety. American Statistical Association Proceedings of the Section on Statistics Education (Vol. 4, pp.92–97).

  • Anonymous survey links will be provided on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.