Description
In their volume, Models, Numbers & Cases Sprinz and Wolinsky-Nahmias, state that by the late 1990s 43 percent of articles in leading international relations journals relied on quantitative methods, exceeding historical-descriptive studies, case studies, and formal modeling. The percentage has likely risen since then, but is already high enough so that any student of international relations must be familiar with such methods in order to read such journals. In this course we will examine some of the most important subfields within international relations to see what research questions have been asked that can be answered using quantitative methods. We will also learn some of the basic tools of quantitative analysis, up to and including regression analysis. If time permits, we will also examine the use of formal modeling within international relations.
Methods of Instruction
Lectures, class discussion, self-study (including homework assignments)
Study material
Field, Andy. Discovering Statistics using SPSS (London: Sage Publications)
Sprinz, detlef F. and Yael Wolinsky-Nahmias (eds.) Models, Numbers & Cases: Methods for Studying International Relations (Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Press, 2004)
Examination
Weekly assignments and final exam or paper.
Schedule
Monday 29 October till 17 December, 15.00-17.00 hrs in 1A22