Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - POL 200 D100

Investigating Politics: Research Design and Qualitative Methods (3)

Class Number: 6062

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2019
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces different aspects of research design in political science, as well as different qualitative research techniques and the epistemological perspectives that inform them. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate political science research. Students with credit for POL 202 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course will consider the research methods utilized by Social Scientists. The focus of the course will be on developing good skills for using quantitative and qualitative methods to consider variables. Ultimately the overarching goal for the course is to use good methods to consider the nuances of these variables.

There will be 1 2-hour lecture and 1 1-hour tutorial each week.  Tutorials start in Week Two.

Grading

  • Midterm 30%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Group Presentation 10%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Research Process, 3rd Oxford

O'Bourne, Ling, Wilkinson
ISBN: 9780199018604

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

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