Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - POL 201 D100

Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (4)

Class Number: 2279

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 15, 2025
    Fri, 11:59–11:59 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 2%
  • Midterm Exam 23%
  • Assignment 2 20%
  • Assignment 3 25%
  • (Take Home) Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Late penalties will be assessed at 2% per day (or portion thereof).  Assignments more than 5 days late will not be accepted.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

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:

All readings are accessible through the SFU library.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.