Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - POL 315 D100

Intermediate Quantitative Methods (4)

Class Number: 5069

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2022
    Thu, 11:30–11:30 a.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 DETAILS:

This course covers causal inference and intermediate quantitative methods. This course is intended for political science students who have completed POL201 and who now want to learn applied multiple regression analysis, with a focus on ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Students will develop an intuitive and applied understanding of regression analysis/regression diagnostics.

There will be a 1 hour lecture and a 2 hour lab session each week.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Problem Sets 30%
  • Final Research Presentation 5%
  • Final Paper 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

R statistical software (available for free)

REQUIRED READING:

None.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Imai, K. (any edition). Quantitative social science: an introduction. Princeton University Press. Please attend the first lecture before purchasing anything.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.