Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - POL 200W D100

Investigating Politics: An Introduction to Political Analysis (4)

Class Number: 6225

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Prepares students to engage with political science research as consumers and practitioners. It accomplishes this by introducing students to essential epistemological perspectives and teaches them to ask good questions, define concepts, choose appropriate research strategies, conduct empirical analysis, and write effectively. Students with credit for POL 200 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the foundations of empirical research in political science. Much of the course focuses on knowledge and skill-building that applies to quantitative and qualitative research. The primary objective is to guide students toward becoming critical consumers and practitioners of social science research. A secondary aim is to improve students’ practical writing skills. There is no final exam for this course. Students must write ALL in-class tests and tutorial quizzes to complete the course.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 10%
  • In-Class Test x 2 30%
  • Tutorial-Based Article Quiz x 2 20%
  • Research Proposal 19%
  • Peer Review 2%
  • Research Paper 19%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lowndes, Vivian, David Marsh, and Gerry Stoker, eds. 2018. Theory and Methods in Political Science. 4th ed. Political Analysis. London. Palgrave.


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.