Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - POL 200W D100

Investigating Politics: Research Design and Qualitative Methods (4)

Class Number: 2278

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 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 apply to quantitative and qualitative research. The main objective is to put the students on the path to becoming critical consumers and practitioners of social science research. A secondary aim is to improve students’ practical writing skills. There is no final exam for this course.

Grading

  • Quality of Tutorial Participation 10%
  • In-Class Test 30%
  • Three Short Assignments 60%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The instructor will select journal articles and book chapters to post on 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.