Comparative and Historical Sociology (439-0-20)

Instructors

katrina quisumbing king
kqk@northwestern.edu
Professor quisumbing king's research and teaching interests lie in topics related to empire, race and ethnicity, citizenship and migration, law, and political and historical sociology.

Meeting Info

2001 Sheridan GPC 1135: Tues 9:30AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This graduate seminar provides an introduction to comparative and historical sociology. By attending to the development of the field, we will explore how social scientists pursue research and build theory using historical sources and comparison. Addressing this question involves understanding how we ask historical questions, select cases, design projects, and understand variation and temporal dynamics. We will also explore the practical aspect of comparative and historical research: figuring out how to locate records, engage with secondary source material, and interpret large bodies of collected text. This seminar will introduce students to the logic of inquiry behind comparative historical social science and offer guidance on the practical aspects of conducting such research.

Registration Requirements

Course is open to Sociology graduate students. Anyone who falls outside of this description should contact the instructor for consent to enroll.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain theoretical and analytical tools to conduct independent research in this and related areas
2. Understand the different ways social scientists pursue research with historical materials and through comparison
3. Evaluate the relationship of authors' questions, claims, logic of inquiry, and evidence
4. Learn practical skills to plan, write, and communicate research effectively

Teaching Method

Discussion

Evaluation Method

Attendance/participation, memos, leading discussion, final paper

Class Materials (Required)

This course will have required books/other materials.

Contact instructor for details.