POL 300 - Political Science Methodology

This is the primary course for learning empirical political science methodology. It focuses on how empirical political science analysis is conducted and offers essential training on how to both read and to construct such research. Students learn about the science behind political science by exploring a variety of approaches to research, including experimental, quasi-experimental, survey research, cross-sectional or longitudinal studies, and basic statistical tests (including regression analysis). Also, each student is required to write an empirical research paper, including an introduction, a literature review, a theory and/or hypothesis section, a list and operationalization of variables, an explanation of case selection, and a discussion of statistical findings. Students also present their research paper to the class.

Credit(s): 4
Course Attribute(s):

This is a writing-enhanced course.