Research seminar "Research methods in international relations"

2019/2020

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

3

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

Course type:

Compulsory course

When:

3 year, 2 module

Instructor

Novikov, Dmitry

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course will introduce students to the methods used in Social Science research.  We will begin by learning about the basic structure of causal analysis, with an emphasis on four basic research strategies: experimentation, “large N” quantitative studies, “small N” studies that use qualitative reasoning, and formal modeling. 

Learning Objectives

• To providewith analytic tools that will help you to critically evaluate social science research as well as causal arguments found in everyday life;
• To improve your ability to pose and answer research questions;
• To have a skill of putting research design, understand the meaning and usage of all the elements of the research.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Be able to formulate a research question;
• Understand the aims of research questions.
• Know the basic stages of writing a research paper;
• Know the formal structure of research work;
• Be able to use quantitative methods in research paper;
• Be able to use qualitative methods in research paper;
• Know evaluation criteria for each element of the structure of research work;
• Know what are Explanation and Causation;
• Be able to use Case Studies and the Comparative Method during conducting research;
• Know features of Rational Choice and Formal Modeling;
• Know the aims of Methods for Interpretive Research;

Course Contents

• How to put a research question
• Explanation and Causation
• Research Design
• Quantitative Methods
• Qualitative Methods
• Case Studies and the Comparative Method
• Rational Choice and Formal Modeling
• Methods for Interpretive Research

Assessment Elements

• Seminar activity
• Quizzes
• Research Prospectus

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (2 module)
  0.3 * Quizzes + 0.4 * Research Prospectus + 0.3 * Seminar activity

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Chakrabarti, P. N. (2018). History of International Relations. [N.p.]: New Central Book Agency. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=2239647
• History of International Relations : A Non-European Perspective. (2019). Netherlands, Europe: Open Book Publishers. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.47A2B8DB

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Walt, S. M. (1998). International relations: One world, many theories. Foreign Policy, (110), 29. https://doi.org/10.2307/1149275