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

Master 2022/2023

Category 'Best Course for Career Development'

Category 'Best Course for Broadening Horizons and Diversity of Knowledge and Skills'

Category 'Best Course for New Knowledge and Skills'

Type: Compulsory 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: 2 year, 1, 2 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: 3

Contact hours: 20

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.

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

Christian Reus-Smit, & Duncan Snidal. (2010). The Oxford Handbook of International Relations: Vol. [Paperback edition.]. OUP Oxford.
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.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

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

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