Aims

Politics research can take many forms and use a wide variety of data. This course introduces students to key concepts used in both quantitative and qualitative research, as well as range of research methods and methodologies. It covers both the theoretical underpinnings of different approaches, and the practical steps to collect and analyse various sorts of data. Lectures introduce key topics, ideas and debates. Seminars provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience developing a research design, collecting, and analysing data. The course will equip students with knowledge and skills which are applicable to both their undergraduate dissertation in Politics and subsequent careers.

Outline Of Syllabus

In any given year, topics covered may include:
•       Theoretical approaches
•       Research questions and hypotheses
•       Surveys
•       Interviews and focus groups
•       Ethnography
•       Ethics and research methods
•       Case studies and comparative method
•       Content analysis
•       Discourse analysis
•       Reporting findings and writing up

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures introduce students to the key terms, concepts, and methods associated with researching politics. They also help contextualize data collection and analysis methods within e.g. positivism and poststructuralism. Seminars provide a live, synchronous environment in which students can discuss essential readings and specific methods. The in-person module talk gives students the opportunity to ask questions of the ML regarding the on demand lecture. The time may also be used to expand on recorded lectures and clarify key themes. Structured, guided learning activities such as annotated readings encourage students to engage consistently with the essential readings and specific methods taught.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The 1000-word mid-semester essay (25%) is designed to develop and assess students’ skills in identifying and designing an independent research project. Using the understanding of research methods and design, coupled with instruction from the University Library staff in Week 4, this essay will test students’ understanding of good research principles. Feedback on this formative assessment will offer students constructive advice on their understanding of course materials, essay structure and writing style, and prepare them for their final exam.

The 105 minute unseen digital exam (65%) is designed to test students’ understanding of general course content and learning outcomes, and will do so through an open-note essay based exam. Students will be encouraged to bring their course portfolio (described below) as a support tool to address the unseen prompt using course materials and the students’ own detailed notes. The prompt will address the entirety of the course: core course concepts taught in Weeks 1-3, test their understanding of research questions and design taught in Week 4, and one or more of the methods taught during Weeks 5-10. We will offer extensive exam preparation in Week 11’s lectures and seminars, as well as appropriate materials on Canvas.

The Seminar preparation and engagement (10%) is designed to serve students in two vital ways. First, students will prepare responses to weekly questions presented in the module guide, to be discussed in seminars. By guiding their engagement with course materials through targeted questions on each week’s assigned material(s), we will better prepare them to participate in seminar discussions. Second, together with their lecture and guided reading notes, these responses will form a portfolio of their own engagement with course content that they will use during their unseen digital exam.