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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title Research Methodology
Module Code LG528A
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

Level 5 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims

To prepare students for the dissertation they are required to complete as part of the MA programme.  Research in international relations and political science can be done well and it can be done poorly.  This course is about how to do good research, which entails identifying interesting puzzles, formulating good and 'doable' questions, gathering the right data in the right way, carefully defining and measuring concepts and variables, constructing and developing arguments, and structuring the thesis in a coherent manner.  In all likelihood, if students focus on a specific and narrow topic of their choice and study it in depth, they will know more about this topic than anybody else, including their supervisor.  However, it is research design that usually makes a difference between a good and bad dissertation, and the final mark will primarily be based on how the research is conducted and communicated, rather than on what.  The dissertation counts for one-third of your total marks for the programme and it is extremely imortant to design it well.  The aim of this module is to guide students toward appropriate research methods, and enable them to produce a good thesis.  Classes will present a range of techniques which may be relevant for some theses, and will encourage students to begin devising their research question and strategy.



Learning Outcomes
Through this module students will develop a research proposal, discuss and make decisions on alternative research strategies and methodologies and begin the process of research and writing.

Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Laboratories
Seminars
Independent Learning Time 150

Total 150
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 10 credit module load represents approximately 150 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus
Assessment
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Indicative Reading List
There are no required books. Recommended: W. Phillips Shively. 2002. The Craft of Political Research, 5th ed. London: Prentice-HallVan Evera, Stephen. 1997. Guide to Students of Political Science. Cornell University Press.Geddes, Barbara. 2003. Paradigms and Sand Castles: Theory Building and Research Design in Comparative Politics. University of Michigan Press.
Programme or List of Programmes
MIRMA in International Relations
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