Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - POL 201 D100

Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (4)

Class Number: 3798

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Corequisites:

    POL 200W or permission of department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces quantitative research techniques in political science. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate quantitative political science research. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description:

This course is intended to introduce students to research methods currently used in political science and the other social sciences with a primary focus on elementary quantitative data analysis. In computer laboratory sessions, students will have the opportunity to undertake their own data analyses. No previous statistical or computer training is assumed.

Course Organization:

There will be two hours of lecture and a two hour lab session tutorial per week. Tutorials start week one.

Grading

  • On-time attendance at all 4 lecture and lab sections in first 2 weeks of course 5%
  • Lab assignments & quizzes 15%
  • Homework Assignments 35%
  • Exams (3 of them. 15% each) 45%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students must have a laptop computer for this course. If you do not have one, there are laptop computers available from the SFU library.

REQUIRED READING:

Imai, Kosuke and Nora Webb Williams. 2022. Quantitative Social Science: An Introduction in the tidyverse. Princeton University Press. (Note must be “tidyverse” version of this textbook.)


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.