Methods of Political Science 2

Aim

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• demonstrate an advanced critical and analytical approach to political questions and phenomena,
• apply both qualitative and quantitative methods of political science,
• argue for different choices of methods in relation to various types of research assignments and material,
• reflect on and evaluate scholarly texts based on both qualitative and quantitative method application.

Content

The course implies both a broadening and a specialisation of previously acquired method knowledge. There is particular emphasis on introducing and practically applying quantitative methods in the study of policy, but the course also covers different qualitative methods, such as text and discourse analysis and interview method. Concretising examples and practical exercises are essential.