This course is also taught in Dutch
Research in Public Administration (pre-master)
Description
What makes a research project scientific? How do we reduce complex reality into concepts that can be systematically studied and how can we measure these concepts? What are the techniques available for gathering and analyzing data?
To answer these questions the course provides an introduction to social science research. We will discuss what social science is as well as explore techniques for conducting research in practice. The course discusses concepts and issues relevant for social sciences in general, but focuses on examples and issues particularly relevant in the field of Public Administration. The course introduces students to what can be regarded as the “craft” of their discipline, i.e. the method and techniques needed for their master thesis. The overall goal of the course is twofold: to help students become a critical reader of research, and to prepare them for conducting a research project of their own.
Course objectives
In the end of the course students are expected to have the following skills and knowledge:
Understanding of main principles of scientific research
Understanding the role of theory and model building in academic research
Basic knowledge of different research methods used in social sciences
Understanding benefits and drawbacks of different research methods
Ability to critically examine the design and results of a research project
Timetable
Tuesday 30-10-2012 20:00 21:30 CDH-SCHOUW B3.02
Tuesday 6-11-2012 20:00 21:30 CDH-SCHOUW B3.02
Tuesday 13-11-2012 20:00 21:30 CDH-SCHOUW B3.02
Tuesday 20-11-2012 20:00 21:30 CDH-SCHOUW B3.02
Tuesday 27-11-2012 20:00 21:30 CDH-SCHOUW B3.02
Tuesday 4-12-2012 20:00 21:30 CDH-SCHOUW B3.02
Tuesday 11-12-2012 20:00 21:30 CDH-SCHOUW B3.02
the course in Dutch is taught in room A0.06
Exam:
Tuesday 18-12-2012 18:30 Stichthage, room Benoordenhout, Bezuidenhout and Babylon
Re-exam:
Tuesday 22-1-2013 18:30 21:30 Schouwburg A2.01/A2.02/A2.03
Mode of instruction
Lectures.
Assessment method
Two assignments, final exam. Course material is also obligatory for the assignments and the exam as far as it is set out in sheets, handouts and other information media.
Reading list/Literature
Babbie, E. (2010). The Practice of Social Research , 13e editie. Belmont,CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Additional literature (academic articles) will be made available over the Blackboard site.
Blackboard
The Blackboard will be used for disseminating the course schedule, assignments and other course related information.
Registration
Via USIS
Contact information
Dr. Maarja Beerkens
m.beerkens@fsw.leidenuniv.nl