Spring 2023 - IS 300 D100

Research Methods in International Studies (4)

Class Number: 4987

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2023
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    IS 101 and 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the research enterprise in International Studies.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the logic of social inquiry. The first half covers the fundamentals of research. Students learn how to identify puzzles, formulate research questions, and review the literature for the answers previous studies offer. The second half focuses on how scholars design new research to build on existing works to advance knowledge further. Accordingly, the weekly classes in the second half assist students in writing their own research proposals, which employ qualitative, quantitative, experimental or mixed methods. The classes cover the philosophies that underlie each method, and demonstrate how methods can often complement each other. Students thus learn how to utilize the strengths of each method, while developing a more encompassing perspective on social research.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will learn about:

• the logic of social inquiry,
• explanatory traditions in social sciences,
• major methodological approaches in social sciences,
• qualitative and quantitative data collection methods,
• in-depth knowledge of methods specific to their research project,
• the ethical and political dimensions of social research, and
• the issues involved in writing up research reports and theses.

Further, students will be able to:

• demonstrate analytical skills in evaluating research design and practice,
• create their own research questions, and research designs,
• demonstrate the theoretical underpinnings of their chosen approach, and
• use library and electronic resources, and locate appropriate materials.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Critical Thinking Assignment 10%
  • Oral presentation 10%
  • Review Paper 10%
  • Research Proposal 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Bell, Edward, Alan Bryman, & Steven Kleinknecht. 2022. Social Research Methods [6th Canadian edition]. Oxford University Press.

Northey, Margot; Lorne Tepperman, & Patrizia Albanese. 2022. Making Sense in the Social Sciences: A Student's Guide to Research and Writing [8th edition]. Oxford University Press.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Kellstedt, Paul M.; & Guy D. Whitten. 2018. The Fundamentals of Political Science Research [3rd edition]. Cambridge University Press.

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.

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