This module offers an introduction to the theory and practice of quantitative data analysis techniques. The goals are to provide students with the skills that are necessary to: 1) read, understand, and evaluate the academic literature, and 2) design and carry out studies that employ these techniques for testing substantive theories.
The module serves three principal purposes. The first is to ground students in the language of social science research: research questions, independent and dependent variables, hypotheses, causality, etc. Students will come across these terms relentlessly in this module, in other modules, and throughout social science. It is thus important that you are able to use them readily and correctly. The second purpose is to familiarise yourself with the types of data and the practice of data analysis in the social sciences. Students are introduced to a range of sources from which they can access quantitative data. Student will also be introduced to the programming language R, which is widely used by academics and practitioners for the analysis of quantitative data. I will assume that students have no prior experience with any of this software, and so students will be given a full introduction to their use. The third purpose is to introduce a series of statistical techniques for the analysis of quantitative data. Some of the techniques are fairly simple, while others (especially those covered in the final weeks of the module) are advanced. The good news is that as the work becomes more challenging, the relevance of the techniques to modern social science research becomes more apparent.
The module serves three principal purposes. The first is to ground students in the language of social science research: research questions, independent and dependent variables, hypotheses, causality, etc. Students will come across these terms relentlessly in this module, in other modules, and throughout social science. It is thus important that you are able to use them readily and correctly. The second purpose is to familiarise yourself with the types of data and the practice of data analysis in the social sciences. Students are introduced to a range of sources from which they can access quantitative data. Student will also be introduced to the programming language R, which is widely used by academics and practitioners for the analysis of quantitative data. I will assume that students have no prior experience with any of this software, and so students will be given a full introduction to their use. The third purpose is to introduce a series of statistical techniques for the analysis of quantitative data. Some of the techniques are fairly simple, while others (especially those covered in the final weeks of the module) are advanced. The good news is that as the work becomes more challenging, the relevance of the techniques to modern social science research becomes more apparent.
- Module Supervisor: Ryan Bakker
- Module Supervisor: Howard Liu
The objective of the course is to provide students with an overview of a wide and intellectually demanding range of IR literature and the ability to use this material to analyze world politics. The course aims to provide a sound basis for studying politics from different theoretical and methodological viewpoints. By the end of the course the students should: (i) have a strong understanding of the origins, historical evolution, and current debates and challenges of the discipline of International Relations, (ii) have an in-depth and systematic knowledge of IR scholarship, and be able to critically evaluate this scholarship and explore new insights and working hypotheses in the study of world politics, (iii) understand the relationship between theory and practice in world politics, (iv) be able to engage in current debates on the analysis world politics.
- Module Supervisor: Kristian Gleditsch
This module presents quantitative methods essential to test hypotheses. The first part of the course concentrates on hypothesis testing, hypothesis testing using least squares, and some classic violations of the Gauss-Markov conditions. In this first part, we will cover cross-sectional and longitudinal models for continuous dependent variables.
The second part of the module focuses on more advanced models ubiquitous in political science based on maximum likelihood estimation and other estimation techniques, starting with the generalised linear model and its various outcome distributions and ending with advanced topics like inferential network analysis and causal inference.
The models and methods are approached substantively, mathematically, and computationally. We will replicate important results using computer programs. The module makes extensive use of the statistical programming environment R. In addition to the methods and software, we will cover some empirical applications to substantive questions. This is particularly important because students should familiarise themselves with the interpretation and presentation of empirical evidence.
- Module Supervisor: Philip Leifeld
The module exposes students to different political theories and approaches within the field of conflict resolution. It provides an overview and a basic framework for studying the evolving field of conflict resolution. The focus is on conflict resolution in inter- and intra-state issues. The students have the opportunity to explore conflict resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, collaborative problem solving, peacekeeping operations, and other applications. The module especially focuses on the practical as well as on the theoretical aspects of conflict analysis, negotiation and mediation. The students have the opportunity to explore the applicability of various tools and techniques in problem-solving real cases of international conflict and to make use of negotiation and mediation techniques in role playing exercises and other types of simulations.
- Module Supervisor: Zorzeta Bakaki
- Module Supervisor: Han Dorussen
This is a graduate course on political economy. The course bridges together topics in international relations, comparative political economy, and economics. The goals of the course are to (a) introduce students to contemporary scholarly research on political economy topics, (b) introduce students to strategic models in political science using substantive applications, and (c) stimulate students to form original ideas for promising quantitative research projects in the area of contemporary political economy
The course is broken into a number of themes. In these weeks, we will examine how domestic and international politics drive trade, investment, financial, and immigration policies and outcomes. We will also look at the relationship between political institutions and economic outcomes as well as the effects of economic phenomenon on institutions. The class emphasizes the theoretical core and some current debates in the field but also aims to expose students to some nuts and bolts of topics related to political economy (broadly defined) and chief methods by which scholars acquire knowledge of the subject.
The course is broken into a number of themes. In these weeks, we will examine how domestic and international politics drive trade, investment, financial, and immigration policies and outcomes. We will also look at the relationship between political institutions and economic outcomes as well as the effects of economic phenomenon on institutions. The class emphasizes the theoretical core and some current debates in the field but also aims to expose students to some nuts and bolts of topics related to political economy (broadly defined) and chief methods by which scholars acquire knowledge of the subject.
- Module Supervisor: Nicole Baerg
GV908 Political Theory is the core module for those taking the MA in Political Theory. It is also available to other postgraduate students as an option. GV908 will introduce MA student to two main traditions within contemporary political theory: analytical political theory, taught by Paul Bou-Habib in the Autumn term, and ideology and discourse analysis, taught by David Howarth in the Spring term.
More specifically, it has three principal aims-
1. It introduces a range of ideas and concepts in analytical political theory and in ideology and discourse analysis.
2. It engages students in a series of close textual readings of selected essays, books and articles, with the aim of elucidating key concepts and ideas.
3. It examines a number of central debates in contemporary political theory.
Each of these aims is pursued in specifically designed seminars, and each seminar is organised around a number of objectives designed to achieve these aims. The objectives and questions are listed in the section detailing the overall programme and readings for the course. On completing this research seminar, a student ought to have a good understanding of a number of contemporary forms of political theorising and argumentation; and be fully aware of a number of central concerns and discussions in contemporary political theory. Finally, students should be in a position to develop and execute a Masters Research Dissertation in political theory.
More specifically, it has three principal aims-
1. It introduces a range of ideas and concepts in analytical political theory and in ideology and discourse analysis.
2. It engages students in a series of close textual readings of selected essays, books and articles, with the aim of elucidating key concepts and ideas.
3. It examines a number of central debates in contemporary political theory.
Each of these aims is pursued in specifically designed seminars, and each seminar is organised around a number of objectives designed to achieve these aims. The objectives and questions are listed in the section detailing the overall programme and readings for the course. On completing this research seminar, a student ought to have a good understanding of a number of contemporary forms of political theorising and argumentation; and be fully aware of a number of central concerns and discussions in contemporary political theory. Finally, students should be in a position to develop and execute a Masters Research Dissertation in political theory.
- Module Supervisor: Mollie Gerver
This module aims to introduce and evaluate a variety of approaches to political theory, focusing in particular on normative and analytic approaches. It aims to provide a critical overview of different political philosophies; and to consider a range of methods and research strategies for those embarking upon graduate study in political theory and analysis, broadly construed.
It is traditional to divide the study of political theory into normative and empirical domains. Normative political theorists endeavour to construct, evaluate, justify and criticize the principles and norms underlying political practices, whereas positive political theorists are concerned to explain, understand and interpret political practices and events by constructing and testing abstract models of those practices. In recent years, this clear division has become somewhat blurred, as normative political theorists seek to ground their research in the description of empirical phenomena, or at least to speak to matters of empirical import, while positive political theorists have become more attentive to the implicit or explicit values that structure their research. The task of this module is to sensitize students to the presuppositions underpinning different approaches to questions of description, explanation, and critique.
It is traditional to divide the study of political theory into normative and empirical domains. Normative political theorists endeavour to construct, evaluate, justify and criticize the principles and norms underlying political practices, whereas positive political theorists are concerned to explain, understand and interpret political practices and events by constructing and testing abstract models of those practices. In recent years, this clear division has become somewhat blurred, as normative political theorists seek to ground their research in the description of empirical phenomena, or at least to speak to matters of empirical import, while positive political theorists have become more attentive to the implicit or explicit values that structure their research. The task of this module is to sensitize students to the presuppositions underpinning different approaches to questions of description, explanation, and critique.
- Module Supervisor: David Axelsen
- Module Supervisor: Shreyaa Bhatt
- Module Supervisor: Laura Montanaro
This module consists of two parts: (1) introduction to the principles of scientific method in social sciences and politics; and (2) discussion of specific research designs for causal identification and their applications in the study of politics. In addition to these topics, each student will develop, present, and write a research paper that can be also used for their M.A. or Ph.D. Dissertation.
Class will meet once a week for 2 hours (120 min) during the Autumn and the Spring terms.
Class will meet once a week for 2 hours (120 min) during the Autumn and the Spring terms.
- Module Supervisor: Nicole Baerg
This module prepares students to replicate and expand published research. Replication consists on reproducing the empirical test presented in a study, with the data and modeling choices the author(s) used. It also involves analyzing the data accuracy and appropriateness of the modeling choices. For this module, expanding extant empirical research means that, after replicating the study, students should introduce a theory-informed modification that would allow them to build upon that study. This exercise intends to deepen the students’ understanding and critical evaluation of research strategies, to highlight the importance of transparency on our own research, and to foster the idea that scientific knowledge is a social enterprise.
GV914 is a prerequisite for taking this module.
INSTANT DEADLINE CHECKER –
|
Assignment Title |
Due Date |
Coursework Weighting* |
Feedback Due |
|
Replication proposal (memo) |
Week 31. |
10% |
Week 32 |
|
Replication proposal (class presentation) |
Week 31 |
10% |
The day of the presentation |
|
Replication report (memo) |
Week 34. |
20% |
Week 36 |
|
Replication report (class presentation) |
Week 34 |
15% |
The day of the presentation |
|
Participation |
Weeks 31 and 34 |
5% |
Week 39 |
|
Replication paper |
Week 36 |
40% |
Week 40 |
- Module Supervisor: Carolina Garriga
- Module Supervisor: Seonghui Lee
- Module Supervisor: Paul Whiteley
- Module Supervisor: Seonghui Lee
The aim of this module is to provide a better understanding of democratic political and economic processes in Europe. The first part of the module will be devoted to studying the roots of party systems, party competition, electoral systems, the rise of populist and extremist parties, corruption, and linkages between citizens and politicians in West and East European countries. In the second part, we will study the institutional foundations of welfare-capitalism and examine how coordinated and liberal capitalism types responded to challenges such as globalisation and deindustrialization. A large part of the module is devoted to studying the power-sharing arrangements in the European Union. In this context, we will analyse what the euro crisis, influx of refugees, and disintegration dynamics implies for the future of the EU. The module also provides an accessible introduction to research design and methods that political scientists have used to address these topics.
- Module Supervisor: Alexandra Hennessy
This module aims to provide students with an overview of how political scientists and study the social world and the types of questions they ask. It introduces students to different ways to model social phenomenon, the assumptions that political scientists make when analysing politics, and different topics that contemporary political science addresses. No single module can offer a complete picture of the discipline, but the course tries to cover material from a wide variety of angles, viewpoints, and approaches.
- Module Supervisor: Laura Sudulich
United States Politics is designed to survey a wide range of topics in the study of political institutions, policy-making, and elections in the United States. The module explores the American political system with a focus on providing students with a deep understanding of both theoretical perspectives and contemporary practical issues facing the US political system, as well as providing a framework for students to develop an original perspective on each. The module focuses on analysing the origins and logic of the US policy-making process, the means by which political actors seek power and influence in the American system, and the state of democratic representation American society. Students will gain a strong working knowledge of the American political system and an understanding of approaches to research on this topic area.
- Module Supervisor: Royce Carroll
This module has two principal aims. First, it introduces, develops, and critically engages key strands of poststructuralist discourse theory, including post-marxism, deconstruction, structural linguistics, and psychoanalytic theory. In particular, it clarifies key theoretical categories by examining their associated conceptual frameworks and presuppositions, by probing their value for political analysis and ideological critique, and by exploring their usefulness in relation to selected case illustrations. Second, the module engages with a set of contemporary debates in political and social theory, for which the categories of discourse and matter have become central. Using the economy and related contemporary debates (eg., about the global financial crisis and public service reforms) as a central theme and reference point, it engages with the work of scholars who draw on a wide range of sources, including psychoanalysis, post-marxism, contemporary continental philosophy, and actor network theory, focusing on the analytical insights these perspectives generate, the visions they project, as well as their take on the prospects for political action and ideological critique.
On completing this module, students should have a good understanding of different approaches to ideology and discourse analysis; the ability to engage critically with the key texts and concepts discussed in the module; and the capacity to initiate independent research from a discourse theory perspective.
On completing this module, students should have a good understanding of different approaches to ideology and discourse analysis; the ability to engage critically with the key texts and concepts discussed in the module; and the capacity to initiate independent research from a discourse theory perspective.
- Module Supervisor: Jason Glynos
- Module Supervisor: David Howarth
The Doctoral Research Seminar in Ideology and Discourse Analysis provides students with a forum in which to discuss current debates in post-structuralist political theory and philosophy; to engage with issues in the methodology of discourse analysis; and to present ongoing research. It also aims to foster and develop presentational, critical reading, and other professional-academic skills. The activities are meant to supplement and enhance the PhD student experience for our IDA and Political Theory PhD students, particularly in relation to GV994 (Professional Development Seminar) and PhD board and supervision meetings.
- Module Supervisor: Jason Glynos
- Module Supervisor: David Howarth
- Module Supervisor: Zorzeta Bakaki
This seminar provides training and support for the research capacity and professional development of all doctoral candidates in the Department of Government. Sessions are compulsory for first-year students. Advanced students are welcome to audit the seminar, and may be particularly interested in refreshing their knowledge of certain topics as outlined in the schedule below. The seminar focuses on writing and presenting a research proposal for the thesis, as well as other significant aspects of socialization into the discipline of political science. We aim to help PhD candidates develop a wide range of professional skills, giving them the capacity to complete their PhD and compete for academic jobs.
Doctoral candidates in the Department carry out their research in a wide variety of areas on a diverse set of topics, using a wide range of different approaches from nomothetic-deductive formal modelling, to quantitative and qualitative comparative studies, to normative political philosophy. Healthy exposure to these different perspectives in the scholarly study of politics provides an opportunity to improve general knowledge and background, and even provide new ideas for specialised areas of research. This seminar is not aimed at any sub-field or methodological tradition in particular.
Inevitably, the primary focus here is the academic profession. We will therefore practise a number of specific skills such as drafting research proposals, presenting results, and publication strategies. However, many of the sessions are also highly relevant for the other kinds of professions in which PhD graduates often find employment. Whatever your target, we aim in this seminar to provide a constructively critical atmosphere in which to hone various skills.
Doctoral candidates in the Department carry out their research in a wide variety of areas on a diverse set of topics, using a wide range of different approaches from nomothetic-deductive formal modelling, to quantitative and qualitative comparative studies, to normative political philosophy. Healthy exposure to these different perspectives in the scholarly study of politics provides an opportunity to improve general knowledge and background, and even provide new ideas for specialised areas of research. This seminar is not aimed at any sub-field or methodological tradition in particular.
Inevitably, the primary focus here is the academic profession. We will therefore practise a number of specific skills such as drafting research proposals, presenting results, and publication strategies. However, many of the sessions are also highly relevant for the other kinds of professions in which PhD graduates often find employment. Whatever your target, we aim in this seminar to provide a constructively critical atmosphere in which to hone various skills.
- Module Supervisor: Shane Martin
- Module Supervisor: Zorzeta Bakaki
The dissertation is a full-year module and students are expected to be considering the direction they would like to go from the beginning of their studies. To help student stay on track there are a series of milestones or progress checks which students should follow.
Weeks 10-11 Students should meet with their division manager to have an informal discussion about their dissertation topic and seek advice about a potential supervisor.
Week 16 Meeting with Graduate Director for all students who will be informed about what is expected from a dissertation and what progress checks have been put in place.
Week 17 Students submit their Dissertation Topic and Nomination of Supervisors form on FASER. They must include their topic and a proposed title. They are also given the opportunity to nominate up to three potential supervisors
Week 19 A supervisor is allocated to the student.
Week 24 Students' must submit on FASER a timetable of what should be completed by when. This must be agreed with the dissertation supervisor.
Week 30 Students' dissertation title must be finalised with their supervisor and they must submit their week 30 progress check form on FASER.
Weeks 30, 32, 37-38 Students must have at least two face-to-face sessions with their supervisor.
Week 38. Students must submit the week 38 progress check on FASER.
Week 38 or 39 a Dissertation Workshop is held. Staff from all four divisions and with expertise in a range of topics and methods will be available for consultation on general dissertation issues and students' own specific questions and problems.
Week 50 Dissertation due on FASER on Friday at 10 am.
Weeks 10-11 Students should meet with their division manager to have an informal discussion about their dissertation topic and seek advice about a potential supervisor.
Week 16 Meeting with Graduate Director for all students who will be informed about what is expected from a dissertation and what progress checks have been put in place.
Week 17 Students submit their Dissertation Topic and Nomination of Supervisors form on FASER. They must include their topic and a proposed title. They are also given the opportunity to nominate up to three potential supervisors
Week 19 A supervisor is allocated to the student.
Week 24 Students' must submit on FASER a timetable of what should be completed by when. This must be agreed with the dissertation supervisor.
Week 30 Students' dissertation title must be finalised with their supervisor and they must submit their week 30 progress check form on FASER.
Weeks 30, 32, 37-38 Students must have at least two face-to-face sessions with their supervisor.
Week 38. Students must submit the week 38 progress check on FASER.
Week 38 or 39 a Dissertation Workshop is held. Staff from all four divisions and with expertise in a range of topics and methods will be available for consultation on general dissertation issues and students' own specific questions and problems.
Week 50 Dissertation due on FASER on Friday at 10 am.
- Module Supervisor: Lawrence Ezrow