Spring 2020 - POL 315 D100

Intermediate Quantitative Methods (4)

Class Number: 5247

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2020
    Thu, 6:31–6:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 201 or permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces intermediate quantitative methods and data analysis. Teaches students how to build statistical models and apply them to social and political research. Also covers the fundamentals of probability, sampling, and causal inference; students will learns how to conduct their own data-driven research. Quantitative.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course Description:

This course presents intermediate level methods for quantitative data analysis in political science. We will begin with a review of the material covered in introductory quantitative methods and expand these topics by examining assumptions and choices in building linear regression models. This course will also introduce students to non-linear methods of data analysis, such as categorical and limited dependent variables. The course then progresses to time series and panel data, along with appropriate methodology such as fixed and random effects. Students will be working with a variety of datasets throughout the semester.

We will be using RStudio as our primary tool for statistical computing. Students should be familiar with the RStudio environment, but we will review and reinforce this material throughout the term. We will also have an introduction to STATA.

Course Format:

There are two two-hour meetings per week for this course. The course includes both lab and lecture components. The last hour of day two of each week will be the lab component.

Grading

  • Students will be graded on the basis of the following weighted combination:
  • Lab Quizzes and exercises 15%
  • In-Class Exams (2) 20%
  • Take Home Exam 30%
  • Homework 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Jeffrey M. Wooldridge. Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach. 7th edition. Cengage Learning
ISBN-13: 978-1-3375-5886-0
ISBN-10: 1337558869

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