Core Seminar "Logic of Inquiry and Key Issues in International Studies"

Master 2021/2022

Category 'Best Course for New Knowledge and Skills'

Type: Elective course (Comparative Politics of Eurasia)

Area of studies: Political Science

Delivered by: Department of Political Science and International Affairs

Where: Saint-Petersburg School of Social Sciences

When: 1 year, 1-4 module

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of one campus

Instructors: Oleg Korneev, Dmitriy Riabov

Master’s programme: Comparative Politics of Eurasia

Language: English

ECTS credits: 6

Contact hours: 44

Full Syllabus

Abstract

This core seminar aims to familiarize students of the educational trajectory “International Politics of Eurasia” with relevant approaches to and tools for academic and policy-oriented research in International Studies (International Relations, Global and Transnational Governance, Critical Development Studies). This will enable greater coherence of the educational process, set grounds for knowledge and understanding of the state of the art in the field, and help students to improve their professional communication skills. The seminar will focus on major scholarly discussions on logics of inquiry and key issues in International Studies. It will scrutinize various methodological paradigms and methods used for research on specific topics. This will be done both through regular seminar discussions based on extensive reading of seminal and innovative works in the field and through providing space for guest lectures by invited scholars who will present their work and provide feedback on students’ research ideas.

Learning Objectives

To familiarize students of the educational trajectory “International Politics of Eurasia” with relevant approaches to and tools for academic and policy-oriented research in International Studies (International Relations, Global and Transnational Governance, Critical Development Studies).
To scrutinize various methodological paradigms and methods used for research on specific topics in International Studies.
To enable greater coherence of the educational process, set grounds for knowledge and understanding of the state of the art in the field, and help students to improve their professional communication skills.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knows methodological approaches to and tools for academic and policy-oriented research in International Studies
Knows the state of the art and key issues in the field of International Studies
Understands major scholarly discussions on logics of inquiry in International Studies
Understands major theoretical debates in International Studies
Identifies and justifies methodological approaches appropriate for their own research in International Studies
Identifies specific research methods (techniques, tools) that fit selected methodologies

Course Contents

Course Overview and Introduction. Paradigms and Research Traditions in International Studies
Logics of Inquiry in International Studies: Methodological Approaches and Controversies
Theories of International Relations: "Mainstream" and "Marginal"
Methodological Turns and Use of Methods in International Studies: Learning from "Best Practices"

Assessment Elements

Book Methodology Review Paper
Your assignment is to read a recent book from the field of International Studies and comment on its methodological framework and methods. Write a paper that analyses its research objectives, approaches and methods and present your reflections on the connections between these elements. The paper (approximately 1000-1500 words) is due by December 15. Sign up for review paper (indicating the title of the book you would like to review): via email to the course instructor by the first class of the module 2. The list of books for review paper will be provided at the first class of the course.
Presentation 1
Each class in modules 1 and 2 (starting from week 2) will commence by a group presentation based on the readings assigned for the session. These presentations will function as basis for further class discussion. Therefore, presenters are supposed to cover mandatory and optional readings and, preferably, use other non-assigned sources for their analysis on the chosen topic in order to make a genuinely original contribution.
Methodological Reflections Paper
You will need to write a paper (2000-2500 words) that will identify and justify methodological approach(es) appropriate for your research aims. This will need to be a paper in which you both explicate your methodological choice and critically reflect upon it. Ideally, it would bridge your methodological (and, if appropriate, theoretical) framework with prospective research design and, more specifically, research methods and techniques you would plan to rely on.
In-class participation 1
Assessment will be based on attendance, preparation of readings, participation in class discussion in modules 1 and 2 with the focus on qualitative contribution to the discussion, ability to answer questions based on the readings, come up with own interpretations and react to comments made by other students.
Presentation 2
Each class in modules 3 and 4 will commence by a group presentation based on the readings assigned for the session. These presentations will function as basis for further class discussion. Therefore, presenters are supposed to cover mandatory and optional readings and, preferably, use other non-assigned sources for their analysis on the chosen topic in order to make a genuinely original contribution.
In-class participation 2
Assessment will be based on attendance, preparation of readings, participation in class discussion in modules 3 and 4 with the focus on qualitative contribution to the discussion, ability to answer questions based on the readings, come up with own interpretations and react to comments made by other students.
Presentation 3
Each class in module 1 (from session 2) will commence by a group presentation based on the readings assigned for the session. These presentations will function as basis for further class discussion. Therefore, presenters are supposed to cover mandatory and optional readings and, preferably, use other non-assigned sources for their analysis on the chosen topic in order to make a genuinely original contribution.
In-class participation 3
Assessment will be based on attendance, preparation of readings, participation in class discussion in module 1 with the focus on qualitative contribution to the discussion, ability to answer questions based on the readings, come up with own interpretations and react to comments made by other students.
In-class participation 4
Assessment will be based on attendance, preparation of readings, participation in class discussion in module 2 with the focus on qualitative contribution to the discussion, ability to answer questions based on the readings, come up with own interpretations and react to comments made by other students.
Presentation 4
Each class in module 2 will commence by a group presentation based on the readings assigned for the session. These presentations will function as basis for further class discussion. Therefore, presenters are supposed to cover mandatory and optional readings and, preferably, use other non-assigned sources for their analysis on the chosen topic in order to make a genuinely original contribution.

Interim Assessment

2021/2022 2nd module
0.5 * Book Methodology Review Paper + 0.25 * In-class participation 1 + 0.25 * Presentation 1
2021/2022 4th module
0.25 * Presentation 2 + 0.25 * Methodological Reflections Paper + 0.25 * 2021/2022 2nd module + 0.25 * In-class participation 2
2022/2023 2nd module
0.25 * In-class participation 3 + 0.25 * Presentation 3 + 0.25 * Presentation 4 + 0.25 * In-class participation 4

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Audie Klotz, & Cecelia M. Lynch. (2007). Strategies for Research in Constructivist International Relations. Routledge.
Chris Brown, & Robyn Eckersley. (2018). The Oxford Handbook of International Political Theory. OUP Oxford.
Christian Reus-Smit, & Duncan Snidal. (2010). The Oxford Handbook of International Relations: Vol. [Paperback edition.]. OUP Oxford.
Dvora Yanow, & Peregrine Schwartz-Shea. (2015). Interpretation and Method : Empirical Research Methods and the Interpretive Turn: Vol. Second edition. Routledge.
Jackson, P. T. (2010). The Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations : Philosophy of Science and Its Implications for the Study of World Politics. Hoboken: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1214790
Sil, R. (DE-588)129445614, (DE-627)39637204X, (DE-576)184228514, aut. (2010). Beyond paradigms analytic eclecticism in the study of world politics Rudra Sil and Peter J. Katzenstein.
Simmons, B. A., Risse-Kappen, T., & Carlsnaes, W. (2013). Handbook of International Relations. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=716889
The Oxford handbook of international political theory edited by Chris Brown and Robyn Eckersley. (2018).

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Bliesemann de Guevara, B. (2014). On methodology and myths: exploring the International Crisis Group’s organisational culture. Third World Quarterly, 35(4), 616–633. https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2014.924064
Bliesemann de Guevara, B. (2016). Myth and Narrative in International Politics : Interpretive Approaches to the Study of IR. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1243387
Bueger, C. (2014). Pathways to practice: praxiography and international politics. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.211AEF35
Bueger, C., & Gadinger, F. (2018). International Practice Theory (Vol. Second edition). Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1737002
Cecilie Basberg Neumann, & Iver B. Neumann. (2018). Power, Culture and Situated Research Methodology : Autobiography, Field, Text. Palgrave Macmillan.
Friedrichs, J., & Kratochwil, F. (2009). On Acting and Knowing: How Pragmatism Can Advance International Relations Research and Methodology. International Organization, (04), 701. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.a.cup.intorg.v63y2009i04p701.731.99
Hay, C. (2016). Good in a crisis: the ontological institutionalism of social constructivism. New Political Economy ; Volume 21, Issue 6, Page 520-535 ; ISSN 1356-3467 1469-9923. https://doi.org/10.1080/13563467.2016.1158800
Qualitative methods in international relations a pluralist guide ed. by Audie Klotz and Deepa Prakash. (2008).
Tickner, J. A. (1997). You just don’t understand: Troubled engagements between feminists and IR theorists. International Studies Quarterly, 41(4), 611. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2478.00060
Tickner, J. A. (2003). What is Your Research Program? Some Feminist Answers to IR’s Methodological Questions. Conference Papers —— American Political Science Association, 1–21. https://doi.org/apsa_proceeding_2661.PDF

Presentation

“Until we are all willing to judge the merit of theories on their own terms, rather than as theories that don’t measure up to positivist standards, misunderstandings will continue.” (Tickner, A. J. (2016) Interview. E-International Relations. 6 March 2016)

Authors

RYABOV DMITRIY OLEGOVICH
KORNEEV OLEG VLADIMIROVICH

Course Syllabus