Time Schedule:
John D Wilkerson
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
What is Social Science? Where’s the “science” in Political Science? Do statistics really lie? This course introduces the methodology of political and social research. Students should expect to leave the course with an understanding of social science reasoning; knowledge of social science methodology; and practical research skills. We begin by learning about different approaches to research in the social sciences. We then consider the primary objective of most social science research – causal explanation. Finally, we learn about and apply the most widely accepted standard for testing causal explanations – statistical methods.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
The class meets three times per week (once per week in the Political science collaboratory). Participation is an essential component of the course and will be monitored. There will be three homework assignments, two in-class examinations and a final exercise.
Grading. Exams: 50 % (two in-class exams) Project/presentation: 40 % (3 homework assignments, 5% each; final exercise, 25%) Class/quiz participation: 10 % Other: % TOTAL: 100 %
