Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - IS 830 G100

Analytic Approaches for International Studies (4)

Class Number: 7923

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Acceptance into the MA in International Studies Program. Undergraduate course work in methods is highly recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces key methods in international studies, critically assessing them as concepts and as tools for helping understand the world around us.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course adopts a critical approach to examining the processes and methods of global knowledge production, with the objective of preparing students to become discerning consumers of knowledge and responsible producers of knowledge. The course will begin with a brief overview of the debates surrounding the question: What is knowledge? The rest of the class will be structured around the question: Who gets to produce what kinds of knowledge, for whom, and how? This will be broken down into three different components: (1) The ethics and politics of knowledge production; (2) Logics of research; (3) Methods of data collection and analysis (qualitative, quantitative, mixed).  

Students are expected to use this course to begin planning for their extended essays or thesis project, which are requirements of the MAIS program. Students will produce either a prospectus for their extended essays or a research proposal for their thesis project as the final assignment for this course.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

(1) Develop greater understanding of competing social scientific approaches to knowledge
- Distinguish between different approaches to knowledge in the social sciences, and critically evaluate the assumptions and arguments on which these approaches are based
- Gain familiarity with a range of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection commonly used in the social sciences
- Critically assess the strengths and limitations of different methods in relation to addressing specific research agendas

(2) Develop practical research skills, including ability to collect, synthesize, and analyze scholarship and primary data in international studies, in accordance with established standards of scientific rigor and ethics
- Practice designing an original research project
- Gain familiarity with standards and practices of ethical human subjects research

(3) Develop the ability to communicate ideas about global problems clearly and effectively to diverse audiences
- Learn to write a research prospectus or proposal
- Practice making clear and concise oral presentations of an argument

Grading

  • In-class participation 15%
  • Individual course assignments 15%
  • Group assignments (instructor + peer assessment) 15%
  • Oral presentation 10%
  • Final assignment 45%

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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