Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - POL 315 D100

Intermediate Quantitative Methods (4)

Class Number: 5294

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2024
    Mon, 11:59–11:59 p.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 20%
  • Problem Set 1 15%
  • Problem Set 2 15%
  • Midterm exam 15%
  • Final Take-Home exam 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

R statistical software (available for free).

REQUIRED READING:

None.

RECOMMENDED READING:

None.

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