Бакалавриат
2021/2022
Научно-исследовательский семинар "Методы в исследовании международных отношений"
Статус:
Курс обязательный
Направление:
41.03.05. Международные отношения
Кто читает:
Факультет мировой экономики и мировой политики
Где читается:
Факультет мировой экономики и мировой политики
Когда читается:
3-й курс, 3 модуль
Формат изучения:
без онлайн-курса
Охват аудитории:
для своего кампуса
Язык:
английский
Кредиты:
3
Контактные часы:
34
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course covers the entire process of assembling a research paper in International Relations and Political Science, covering the differentiating characteristics of an analytical study, its structural components, choice of the research question, and object of the study. Having discussed object matter and applied theoretical frameworks, the students are given an opportunity to examine differences, pros and cons of existing methodologies and research strategies in social sciences. Particularly, the tradeoffs between case and N-sample studies, internal and external validity of the results, as well as the rationale behind the use of respective research designs will be analyzed and illustrated with the use of summary and critique reports of published scholarly articles.
Learning Objectives
- Prepare students for research conduct as part of their undergraduate curriculum (course papers, theses);
- Master skills in formulating relevant and precise topics and research questions;
- Show the difference between scientific studies and other written papers, and practical use of scientific inquiry in other spheres of livelihood;
- Learn how to operationalize concepts and use existing tools in both quantitative and qualitative designs;
- Develop skills for critically assessing the validity of applied research strategies and the significance of outcomes.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Ability to conduct a valid individual study and defend its findings;
- Ability to formulate research question, and explain how the question and theory define methodology;
- Being able to implement purely qualitative/quantitative and mixed research designs and justify the respective choice;
- Differentiating between case studies and N-sample studies methodology;
- Knowledge of what is the purpose, format, and practical impact of research studies in IR.
Course Contents
- What differentiates a scientific research paper from journalistic articles, social media posts, and descriptive essays
- Structure of a research paper and research prospectus
- Relevant research topics in IR and political science
- Formulating a good research question: the connection between the research question, topic, methodology, and research gap
- Case selection: laws of logic, internal and external validity, dependent and independent variables
- Sources’ selection, writing literature review
- Role of theoretical frameworks in the research
- Application of research methods: quantitative designs
- Application of research methods: qualitative designs
- Mixed research methods: approaches and types of mixed studies
- Application of research methods: mixed designs
- Assembling the paper: formatting, time-management, and communication with the supervisor
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 3rd module0.25 * Group presentation + 0.5 * Research prospectus + 0.25 * Written report
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Luigi Curini, & Robert Franzese. (2020). The SAGE Handbook of Research Methods in Political Science and International Relations. SAGE Publications Ltd.
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Handbook of Research Methods and Applications in Political Science. (2016). Edward Elgar. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsnar&AN=edsnar.oai.research.vu.nl.publications.79adffd0.782e.411f.b258.53afc56be456