Department of Government and PoliticsGOV 1050 Research and Methods in Political ScienceSpring Semester 2021Course Syllabus__________________________________________________________________________________Room: SJH 113Office Hours: M 3:00-5:00 pm; R 12:15-1:15 pm. OtherTime: 10:40-12:05pmtimes by appointment.Dr. Luba Racanska[email protected]Office: 234-I St. John’s HallOffice phone: 718-990-2329_________________________________________________________________________________Introduction:This course introduces students to the research methods employed in the study of Government andPolitics.It is designed to familiarize students with political science terminology and the best practicesfor conducting individual research. During the semester, we will discuss and analyze the followingtopics:1)What is political science; the questions it seeks to answer; the methodologies that employs; andhow political scientists express themselves through writing2)Methodological frameworks for thinking about, researching and analyzing politicalphenomenon3)Specific research methods, including those in the qualitative and quantitative traditions4)Critical approaches (paradigms) that guide the study of political science including rationalchoice, groupthink, Marxist and feminist theories.5)Writing approaches in developing individual research projectCourse Goals:This course is designed to be an undergraduate introduction to research and methods in politicalscience. Students will be introduced to political science as a methodologically driven academicdiscipline. A number of current methodological approaches to the study of political phenomenon willbe covered. Additionally, an emphasis will be placed on introducing students to the qualities ofscholarly writing.Learning Outcomes:Through the successful completion of this course undergraduate students will beable:1.Demonstrate an understanding of political science as an academic discipline;2.Demonstrate a familiarity with the history of the study of political science;1
3.Demonstrate an understanding of intellectual frameworks of political science;4.Identify, understand and apply various methodological techniques used to study politicalphenomenon;5.Demonstrate advanced academic research and writing skills._________________________________________________________________________________Required Textbooks (available at the University Bookstore):Lowndes, Vivien, David Marsh, and Gerry Stoker.Eds. 4thedition. 2018.Theory and Methods inPolitical Science. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.Scott, Gregory M., and Stephen M. Garrison. 2017. 8thedition.The political Science Student Writer'sManual and Reader’s Guide. Boston: Pearson Longman.Supplemental readings are located in the “Journal Articles” folder in blackboardGrading Procedure:The final grade for the course is based on the following criteria:1)Class participation:includes class discussions, presentations, in-class short projects that alldepend on being physically present in class.Thus, participation cannot take place when studentis absent and therefore absences will lower the class participation grade.
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