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Fundamentals of Political Science Methods, 15 Higher education credits
Grundläggande statsvetenskaplig metod, 15 Högskolepoäng
Established: 2024-11-28
Established by: School of Business, Economics and IT
Applies from: V25
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course the student will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
- describe characteristics of science in general and political science in particular
- identify the main theoretical schools of thought within the social sciences
- explain the purpose of the different chapters of a thesis and how they relate to each other
- describe on a basic level a selection of central social scientific methods for data gathering and analysis
Competence and skills
- formulate a scientific problem, aim and research question
- discuss differences between methodological choices
- apply relevant theoretical concepts to an empirical material
- present the research process and its results using central methodological concepts
Judgement and approach
- account for ethical considerations in research methodology
- critically evaluate the trustworthiness of a research project
- Reflect on the scientific and societal relevance of a research problem.
Entry requirements
Completed at least 30 credits in political science within the programme Internationel program of Politics and Economy (IPPE) or equivelant.
The forms of assessment of student performance
The course is examined through active participation in seminars, home-exam and a final thesis.
A student who does not fully meet the learning outcomes in the examination, but is close to the grade “pass” can, after a decision by the examiner, be allowed to complement an examination assignment in order to reach the criteria for pass. Complementing of an examination must be individually adapted based on the learning outcomes or objectives that were not achieved by a student. It must take place within two weeks after informing the student of the examination result and before the next examination opportunity.
Course contents
The aim of this course is to enhance students' understanding of academic research by means
of studying methodological literature and existing research, as well as writing a minor thesis
in groups. The course introduces the most important characteristics of social science research
in general and political science in particular; the most important theoretical schools of
thought within the social sciences and how these relate to the different parts of the research
process; and common research methods and analytical techniques. The course adopts workintegrated
learning in that the students, with supervision, carry out a research project where
they explore how the different parts of the research process are connected and influence each
other. The students get the opportunity to test a selection of key methods and analytical
techniques to carry out the research project, which are finally presented both orally and in
writing.
Other regulations
Course grading: F/Fx/E/D/C/B/A - Insufficient, Insufficient- more work required before the credit can be awarded, Sufficient, Satisfactory, Good, Very Good, Excellent
Course language: The teaching is conducted in English.
General rules pertaining to examination at University West are available at www.hv.se.
If the student has a decision/recommendation on special support due to disability, the examiner has the right to examine the student in a customized examination form.
Course Overlap
GSM200
Cycle
First cycle
Progressive specialization
G1F - first cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Main field of study
Political Science