Description
The goal of this course is to help students develop their research skills in qualitative methods, as well as the ability to critique and evaluate academic works employing such methods. The course covers three broad topics. First, we will briefly review the history of the political science and public administration disciplines and consider how the debate between quantitative and qualitative methods has evolved in the post-war period. Second, we will evaluate various strategies for the design of qualitative studies, including concept formation and case selection. Both methods for comparative analysis and within-case analysis will be discussed. Finally, we will interrogate the practicalities of doing qualitative research in light of various research techniques, such as in-depth interviewing, archival research and participant observation. The required readings of the course consist of peer-reviewed journal articles and selected chapters from the textbook. We will read both theoretical articles on qualitative methodology and empirical articles in which such methods are employed.
Learning objectives
Show proficiency in critically reading, analyzing, evaluating and discussing scholarly contributions to qualitative political science and public administration;
Position scholarly work within the methodological debates regarding quantitative and qualitative social science research;
Produce a critical analysis that evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of a qualitative methodological approach;
Engage in classroom discussion in a thoughtful and respectful manner, both as a participant and as a discussion leader;
Identify the appropriate research technique to investigate social science research questions;
Create a sophisticated research design for case study research.
Study Material
Students are required to purchase the following book. Other course readings will be announced in the syllabus.
Haverland, M. en Blatter, J. (2015) Designing Case Studies, Palgrave Macmillan.
Course participation & assessment
Assessment for this course consists of a take-home assignment (20%), a final research paper (50%), and class participation (30%). Class participation consists of an introduction to the course readings and participation in class discussions.
Schedule
Thursday 5 February until 26 March, 9.00-11.00 hrs in SA31