Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the research enterprise in International Studies.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course takes a critical approach to examining how global knowledge is produced, with the objective of training students to become discerning consumers of knowledge. Organized around the question, “Who produces what kinds of knowledge, for whom, and how?”, the course introduces students to fundamental issues around knowledge production, including: What counts as knowledge? What are the ethics studying others? What do statistics and indicators actually measure? How should we compare cases? Is data neutral? Through these questions, students will develop the analytical skills needed to assess evidence, question assumptions, and engage rigorously with the knowledge claims that shape our understanding of the world.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Develop a critical understanding of how knowledge about global issues is produced, validated, and used:

   • Examine competing social scientific approaches to knowledge and the assumptions that underlie them.
   • Analyze how concepts, categories, indicators, statistics, and datasets shape understandings of global problems.
   • Situate knowledge production within broader histories, institutions, and power relations that shape the contemporary global environment.

2. Build skills for critically evaluating evidence and engaging ethical questions in International Studies

   • Examine how knowledge claims are presented and supported in academic research, policy reports, media, and public discourse.
   • Evaluate the quality, credibility, and limitations of evidence used to explain global issues and justify policy decisions.
   • Analyze ethical questions that arise in the production, interpretation, and use of knowledge about people, communities, institutions, and global challenges.

3. Strengthen the ability to communicate rigorous analysis of global problems

   • Develop the ability to identify key assumptions, and considerations in the interpretation of evidence and data, and to communicate these nuances clearly to diverse audiences.
   • Present arguments orally and in writing, adapting communication strategies to audience, purpose, and context.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students are not required to buy any textbooks for this course. Assigned readings (book chapters and academic articles) will be made available on Canvas or can be accessed digitally through the SFU library.