Final dissertation seminar

Contenu du cours

The common module questions what political science research is. It presents the main theoretical approaches and research methods in political science and international relations. It covers the first steps of the research process. In preparation of each lesson, students are required to have read the corresponding reading material.

The exercises aim at applying the political science research process. Each class is dedicated to a step in the process of scientific reasoning, which is explained, illustrated with examples, and then applied by the students.

Objectifs (et/ou acquis d'apprentissages spécifiques)

Intended Student Learning Outcome

To be able to find, read, understand and interpret most research published in political science journals
To understand the major theoretical approaches to political science research
To be familiar with various research methods in political science
To be able to identify and apply these approaches and methods in a research paper
To be able to develop a research design
To sharpen critical thinking
To develop writing skills

Méthodes d'enseignement et activités d'apprentissages

Class Format

The class format is organized around three equilibriums: theory and exercises, accumulation of knowledge and critical thinking; explanation and application. The workload is spread between the common module and the exercises. The common module is dedicated to the presentation and discussion of the main theoretical approaches and data collection and data analysis methods, as well as illustrations based on existing research.

The exercises are organized as a group seminar, with regular assignments. Each class consists of an explanation of a step in the research process (with illustrations), and an active application of the step in the research process by students (via practical exercises and development of their own research design for the Final Dissertation).

Overall, the course rests on an active preparation by the students. Students are expected to have read the material in preparation for each week.

Contribution au profil d'enseignement

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the terminology, concepts, theoretical approaches and research methods in political science. The course intends to teach students how to develop scientific research designs. Together with the exercises, the course prepares students to the writing of their final dissertation.

Références, bibliographie et lectures recommandées

Useful research methods references

Johnson J.B., Reynolds H.T., Political Science Research Methods, London, Sage, 2012, 7^th edition.

Burnham P. et al, Research Methods in Politics, London, Palgrave MacMillan, 2008.

Heywood A., Key Concepts in Politics, New York, St Martin’s Press, 2000.

Support(s) de cours

Université virtuelle

Autres renseignements

Contacts

Alena Prokop Sobotova (Professor)

Office hours : Tuesdays 14-16 (by appointment only)
Contact: S Building, 11^th floor, room 218 (S11.218); alena.sobotova@ulb.be

Teaching Assistants

Valentina Brogna
Adrien Rougier
Sanae Youbi

Campus

Solbosch

Evaluation

Méthode(s) d'évaluation

Travail personnel
Examen écrit
Présentation orale
Autre

Travail personnel

Examen écrit

Présentation orale

Autre

Students performances will be assessed as follows:

Final exam: 40%
Exercises: 60%

Important

It is MANDATORY to have a mark for both parts of the course – students who do not have a mark for both parts of the course will be marked as ABS (MISSING) until they do have a mark for both parts of the course POLID543.
It is also mandatory to register for the Final Dissertation via the online registration system. Students who have failed to do so before the deadline will have a FAIL for the course POLID543, whatever their grade for the rest of the course. Students who have not registered their FD on time will NOT be allowed to submit their FD during this academic year.

Construction de la note (en ce compris, la pondération des notes partielles)

Final exam (40%): grade is based on:

2 questions
January session, retake session in August

Exercises (60%): grade is based on:

Sum of Quizzes (20%)
Critical review (20%)
Presentation in class (10%)
FD task 1 (10%)
Attendance is required (students must inform their TA in advance in case of missed class); max 2 bonus points (/12) for an active participation in class.
2-point penalty (/12) for each FD task not submitted on time.

Policy regarding deadlines

Deadlines matter. All assignments must be submitted on time before the deadline. Assignments that are submitted after the due date will not be considered. Only serious and documented circumstances will be accepted as excuses (e.g. serious matters of health or other personal emergencies).

Policy regarding students arriving late in the semester:

If the students show that their late arrival is due to delays in their registration process (based on their letter of admission): They will have to submit all the missed FD tasks together.

Other students will encounter the corresponding penalty for the missed assignments.

Retake Session (August)

No retake session allowed if FD forms were not submitted on time
Students decide at their own risk whether they want to retake the exercises, the exam, or both
Students have to notify their choice to the teacher early July
Exercises: quizzes + critical review have to be taken/submitted online before the date of the exam. The critical review is doubled (two articles to review) to compensate for the presentation in class and FD task 1 parts of the grade that are dropped for the retake session

Langue(s) d'évaluation

anglais

Recherche