Time Schedule:
Christopher A Adolph
POL S 205
Seattle Campus
Methodological perspectives of the various social science disciplines: commonalties and differences in assumptions, values, and paradigms. Current issues from the multiple perspective of social sciences; limits of the social sciences in resolving key social issues. Offered: W.
Class description
This course introduces the methodology of political and social research. Students should expect to leave the course with: 1.) an understanding of social science reasoning; 2.) knowledge of social science methodology; and 3.) practical research skills helpful for writing original research papers and undergraduate theses. The course contains two halves. The first half concerns ways of thinking about social science theories and reasoning, with a focus on research design for qualitative and quantitative studies. The second half concerns social science approaches to collecting and analyzing information, and gently introduces basic methods for quantitative research.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Prior exposure to one or more of the social sciences is extremely helpful. No prior exposure to quantitative methods is assumed, nor is any mathematical training beyond basic high school math required. Non-majors are welcome.
Class assignments and grading
