Spring 2024 - POL 201 B100
Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (4)
Class Number: 5331
Delivery Method: Blended
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 23, 2024
Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Mark Pickup
map15@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8640
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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:
The objective of this module is to introduce students to the practice of quantitative data analysis in the social sciences. The lecture component of the module will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of quantitative measurement, and statistical description, causal inference, and hypothesis testing. It will also provide a foundation for understanding the statistical models used in the social sciences. In the laboratory component, students will learn to apply these techniques to the analysis of social science data. Through lab assignments, students will have the opportunity to test hypotheses and explanations on major research data sets. The module should provide a sound grasp of the possibilities, methods, and dangers inherent in quantitative social and political research. I assume no prior background with using a statistical computer package; however, you will spend significant time in the course learning how to use computers to conduct statistical analyses.
BLENDED Course Format:
Each week will have approximately 5 x 20 minutes = 100 minutes of asynchronous lecture time, 50 minutes of in-person meeting time (optional except when indicated as mandatory), and 110 minutes of in-person tutorials.
Grading
- Lab Assignments 30%
- Problem Sets 15%
- Mid‐Term Exam 25%
- Final Exam 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH
BY KELLSTEDT, PAUL M. AND WHITTEN, GUY D.
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
PUBLICATION DATE: JUL. 26, 2018
ISBN: 9781316642672
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:
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 term 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.