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 professional journals. In this course we will examine some of important research questions within international relations that have been analyzed with quantitative methods. Participants will also learn some of the basic tools of quantitative analysis, up to and including regression analysis. Finally, students will put their new knowledge into practice by carrying out their own analysis using quantitative methods.
Methods of Instruction
Lectures, class discussion, self-study (including homework assignments)
Study material
Field, Andy. Discovering Statistics using SPSS (London: Sage Publications)
Journal articles to be announced later.
Examination
Weekly assignments and final exam or paper.
Schedule
Wednesday 29 October until 17 December, 13.00-15.00 hrs in 1A11 (no class on 12 November)
Thursday 13 November, 15.00-17.00 hrs in 1A11