Description
The course is designed to help the students develop their research skills in qualitative methods, as well as the ability to evaluate academic works employing such methods. The course covers four broad topics: 1) The debate between quantitative and qualitative methods in political science; 2) the design of qualitative studies, including the comparative method and case studies; 3) the practicalities of doing qualitative research, particularly relating to fieldwork and historical research; and 4) questions about ethics and qualitative research.
Methods of instruction
The course will be taught as a seminar, and the students are expected to actively participate in discussions of the assigned readings.
Study material
The readings for the course include chapters from two books, a course reader, and articles available through the university library-s online journals. The readings cover approximately 600 pages.
Books:
Brady, Henry E., and David Collier, eds. 2004. Rethinking Social Inquiry: Diverse Tools, Shared Standards/. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
George, Alexander L., and Andrew Bennett. 2004. Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Examination
The students will be evaluated based on their contribution to class discussions and two written assignments.
Time table
For first year MIRD students (group 2008-2010)
Wednesday September 3, till October 22, 13.00-15.00 p.m. in Ch13 (except October 15, instead of that meeting October 14, 11.00 a.m-13.00 p.m. in Ch03)
For second year MIRD students (group 2007-2009)
Wednesday September 3, 9.00-11.00 a.m. in Ch11 and
Monday September 8, till October 20, 13.00-15.00 p.m., in SA31