Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - POL 200W D100

Investigating Politics: Research Design and Qualitative Methods (4)

Class Number: 3824

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.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 200 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the foundations of empirical research in political science. Much of the course focuses on knowledge and skill-building that are applicable to both quantitative and qualitative research. The final portion emphasizes specific qualitative data collection and analytical techniques. The objective is to help students become critical consumers and practitioners of social science research. There is no final exam for this course.

Grading

  • Quality of Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Online Multiple-Choice Quizzes 5%
  • In-Class Test 25%
  • Three Short Assignments 60%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The instructor will select journal articles and book chapters for posting to Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.