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Special Topics in Political Science (490-0-20)

Topic

Research Design

Instructors

Ana Arjona
Scott Hall, Room 237
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/ana-arjona.html

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 201 Ripton Room: Thurs 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

This course examines the key components of research design, from theory building to empirical analysis. We will discuss different tools for developing arguments and testing them empirically. We will then rely on current research in political science to closely analyze the trade-offs between different approaches when investigating specific research questions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the attributes of strong theories and critically evaluate theoretical arguments by recognizing inconsistencies and flaws.
  2. Analyze the use of empirical evidence in political science, distinguishing between different types of evidence and their role in formulating new questions, building theory, and testing arguments.
  3. Understand the logic of causal inference across various methodological approaches, including large-N analysis, within-case analysis, case comparisons, and experimental and quasi-experimental methods.
  4. Assess the trade-offs between different approaches in answering specific political science questions.

Evaluation Method

Participation, short memos, presentation, final assignment

Class Materials (Required)

Seawright, Jason, 2016. Multi-Method Social Science: Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Tools. Cambridge University Press.

Arjona, Ana, 2016. Rebelocracy: Social Order in the Colombian Civil War. Cambridge University Press.

Mattingly, Daniel, 2019. The Art of Political Control in China. Cambridge University Press.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.