Special Topics in Political Science (490-0-1)

Topic

Scientific Constructivism

Instructors

James L Mahoney
847/491-2626
Scott Hall, Room 402, Evanston Campus
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/james-mahoney.html

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 212: Tues 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

This course provides an introduction to the field of macrosocial theory. An important goal of the course is to provide students with analytical tools that they use for theory construction in their own substantive research. The course specifically examines tools that can be used to: formulate new research questions, reformulate existing questions, develop general concepts, develop new explanations, synthesize literature, compare and contrast findings, categorize research into metatheories, engage normative concerns, and identify and develop theories that are connected to broad ideological and philosophical orientations.

Registration Requirements

Political Science and Sociology graduate students only

Learning Objectives

Students should become familiar with the analytic tools discussed in the class. They should be able to both understand the use of these tools by other scholars and to use them themselves.

Evaluation Method

Papers and final exam

Class Materials (Required)

James Mahoney, The Logic of Social Science (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2021). ISBN: 9780691214955

Gary Goertz and James Mahoney, A Tale of Two Cultures (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2012. ISBN: 9780691149707

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.