Political Science Research Methods

Metode politološkega raziskovanja

Course credits:

10.00 ECTS / 60 (30 hours of lectures, 0 hours of exercises, 30 hours of seminars, 0 hours other forms of work)

Course holder:

prof. dr. Žiga Vodovnik

Type:

Required

Language:

English

Semester:

First semester

Study degree

2. level

Course execution:

• Postgraduate Programme of Political Science – Political Theory, Global and Strategic Studies

Prerequisits:

Students are allowed to participate in the course provided that they have completed the enrolment procedure.

Objectives and competences

The students acquire additional knowledge needed for conducting independent research projects. During seminars the students will broaden their epistemological and methodological knowledge, that is much needed for independent problem solving at different stages of analysis and writing of scholarly papers: from problem definition, formulating research question/hypothesis, data gathering and analyzing, interpretation of results and recommendations.

Content (Syllabus outline)

This course introduces students to the basic and advance research methods and techniques used for research in the study of politics. The course is divided in two thematic units. The first part introduces and critically examines various approaches and theoretical-methodological paradigms in political science (e.g. behaviorism, institutionalism, feminism, interpretative theory, Marxism, rational choice theory, normative theory, discourse theory etc.). In the last part, the course focuses on practical application of methods and approaches needed for the Master Thesis disposition and similar research papers. During seminars students will broaden their epistemological and methodological knowledge, that is much needed for independent problem solving at different stages of analysis and writing of scholarly papers: from problem definition, formulating research question/hypothesis, data gathering and analyzing, interpretation of results and recommendations.

Intended learning outcomes:

Students will develop research skills, and will be able to synthetically and creatively solve theoretical and epistemological problems. Throughout the course the students will develop skills for time management, planning and implementation of their research proposals. Students will acquire additional knowledge needed for independent research projects and writing scholarly papers.

Learning and teaching methods:

Lectures and seminars.

Assessment

100 % Writing assignments

Obligatory literature

Additional literature