Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - POL 801 G100

Epistemological and Theoretical Perspectives in Political Science (5)

Class Number: 7212

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 2:00–5:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is concerned with methodology and epistemological questions rather than the specific techniques used by political scientists That is, the course will is an invitation to reflect on the reasons why certain methods are used in the contemporary study of politics and their epistemological justifications, rather than on the “nuts and bolts” in the researchers’ tool kit, although we will take a closer look at a few methods not covered in other courses in the curriculum (e.g., game theory).

The course begins with an overview of the most salient issues in the philosophy of the social sciences, and then turns to an analysis and comparison of inductive, deductive and interpretive approaches.

This is an online course; synchronous communication will be used for lectures and presentations/discussions. But extensive use of Canvas resources will supplement these virtual in-person interactions.

Grading

  • Research Paper 40%
  • Oral presentation & Written follow up &Participation 20%
  • Short papers (20% each) 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Relevant materials will be posted on Canvas or will be accessible on the SFU Library website.

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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).