POL2017 : Becoming a Political Researcher
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Brian Boyle
- Lecturer: Dr Skyler Hawkins
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
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 Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Final assessment preparation and completion |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Mid-semester assessment preparation and completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Weekly in-person lecture |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 11 | 3:00 | 33:00 | Guided research and reading activities |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Weekly small group seminar |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 89:00 | 89:00 | Independent engagement with course materials |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 60 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 40 | 1500 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 300 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The unseen digital exam (60%) 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 seminar notes 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 1500-word research proposal (40%) 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, this essay will test students’ understanding of good research principles. Feedback on this 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 300-word formative assessment will ask students to submit their proposed research question for their research report, as well as the justification of its social and academic relevance. This is intended to give students an opportunity to obtain feedback on their research topic before undertaking their full research proposal, meaning they can incorporate the constructive feedback to help guide their preparation for their mid-semester essay.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- POL2017's Timetable