Time Schedule:
Anthony J Gill
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
Description: How do political scientists explain social phenomena? This course examines the major methodological and theoretical perspectives commonly found in political science. The first third of the course focuses on the uses and limits of the scientific method as applied by investigators of social phenomena. Specific attention will be given to the formation and testing of alternative hypotheses. The final two-thirds of the class surveys some of the dominant paradigms of social analysis. Actual examples of how these theoretical perspectives are used will supplement textbook discussions of each. Students are expected to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective and identify possible avenues of synthesis. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to solve empirical "puzzles" in the context of these competing theories.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Texts: (tentative): Johnson and Joslyn, Political Science Research Methods; Little, Varieties of Social Explanation; zeroxed reader. As examples of empirical puzzles will be drawn from current events, students are strongly encouraged to subscribe to a major daily newspaper.
Class assignments and grading
Requirements: Three short analytical papers (various lengths) and an in-class final exam.
