Time Schedule:
Sara R Curran
SIS 511
Seattle Campus
Review of the approaches to posing and answering research questions in the disciplines affiliated with international studies. Explores epistemological approaches and associated methodologies to prepare students to effectively read across the literature of international studies, develop their own research design based on a research question, and write a research proposal. Offered: Sp.
Class description
This course is designed to provide graduate students in international studies with a review of the approaches to posing and answering research questions in the social science disciplines affiliated with international studies. Students will learn about various epistemological approaches and the methodologies associated with them in order to effectively read across the scholarly literature of international studies, develop their own research design based on a finely honed research question, and write a research proposal.
Student learning goals
• Reflect on personal and professional values and ethics
• Develop an appreciation for the importance of critical disciplinary awareness
• Develop an appreciation for a praxis--reflective and active--approach to learning and research
• Identify areas of growth and continued learning toward personal and professional development
• Identify and describe the major theoretical paradigms and methodological paradigms that frame approaches to international studies research
• Understand and describe the concepts and practices of different social science methods
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Read everything assigned and actively participate in classroom discussion. (20%) Complete 5 Reviewer Comments to Colleagues. (10%) Complete five short assignments on time. (50%) Research Proposal (25%)
See above, and: There is a possible 20 points for attendance and participation; Class participation will be evaluated by (1) contributions of the questions and comments raised in class, (2) participation in dialogue with others in both small group and full-class situations, (3) evidence of reading the required materials, and (4) class attendance.
