Course Description
Basic principles of research in political science. Focus on testing of empirical propositions, with particular emphasis on survey research methods and on data analysis and interpretation. No statistical knowledge required. Prerequisite: Majors only
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
Assess the logic of political science research, in particular, and of scientific research, in general
Assess the scope of political science research
Understand the basics of organizing and analyzing data
Critically analyze empirical social science research
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
Attendance & Participation | 10% |
Lab Assignments | 40% |
Midterm Exam | 25% |
Final Exam | 25% |
Grading Scale:
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
>93 | A |
>=90, <93 | A- |
>=88, <90 | B+ |
>=83, <88 | B |
>=80, <83 | B- |
>=78, <80 | C+ |
>=73, <78 | C |
>=70, <73 | C- |
>=68, <70 | D+ |
>=63, <68 | D |
>=60, <63 | D- |
<60 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period. Attendance and participation are worth 10 percent of the final grade.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Pollock III, Phillip H and Barry C. Edwards. 2025. The Essentials of Political Analysis, Seventh Edition. Washington, DC: CQ Press.
Mason, Lilliana. 2018. Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity. University of Chicago Press.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.