Introductory description

N/A

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Lecture/seminar topics will include:
Being a political researcher: Student as Producer
Essay writing and referencing
The internet as a research tool
Researching general elections: voting behaviour
Social surveys & opinion polls
Ethical issues and plagiarism
Conspiracy theories and counterfactuals
Using statistics in political science
Researching pressure groups

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the principal research methods, approaches and techniques, qualitative and quantitative, used in the study of Politics and International Relations.
• Be familiar with the process of research design and the major stages that are involved in designing a research proposal.
• understand the ethical dilemmas that arise in the research and study process, including issues of plagiarism, and strategies available for resolving them.
• To develop skills as an 'independent learner' and 'researcher'. To be confident and equipped in foundation level university study skills, including the critical analysis of a wide range of sources for research and study purposes.
• develop transferable skills To appreciate how academic skills translate into the 'transferable' and 'soft' skills required in employment and life beyond university.

Indicative reading list

Halperin, S and Heath, 0. (2016) Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills, 2nd edition (Oxford
University Press).
Burnham, P et al (2008) Research Methods in Politics, 2nd Edition (Palgrave Macmillan:
Basingstoke)
Bryman, A. (2016) Social Research Methods, 5th Edition (Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke)
Moses, J and Knutsen, T. (2019) Competing Methodologies in Social and Political Research. 3rd
Edition (Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke)
Cottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook. 5th Editon (Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke)
Grix, J. (2010) The Foundations of Research. Second Edition (Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke)
Marsh, D and Stoker G (eds) (2017) Theory and Methods in Political Science., 4th Edition.
(Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke).
Wisker, G. (2009) The Undergraduate Research Handbook. Palgrave Macmillan.
Matthews, B and Ross, L. (2010) Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences
(Pearson)
Pierce, R. (2008), Research Methods in Politics: a Practical Guide (Sage).
Moore et al (2010) The Ultimate Study Skills handbook (Open University Press)

Research element

Central to the module are the themes of 'student as producer' and 'student as researcher'.

This provides a strong basis should students wish to take advantage of research opportunities at the University and beyond, such as the Undergraduate Student Research Scheme (URSS), the International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR), or the Reinvention Journal.

Interdisciplinary

A running theme of the module is the nature of politics and international studies as an interdisciplinary discipline and a junction subject. One of the topics focuses specifically on Crossing the Interdisciplinary Divide.

International

The module focuses on methods and techniques in international studies and international relations, as well as political science. Students are encouraged to bring out global examples to illustrate their points.

Subject specific skills

tbc

Transferable skills

The module provides students with opportunities to acquire or develop the following key skills:

Written communication skills
Oral communication skills
Problem-solving skills
Skills in the use of the internet and information technology
Skills of interpretation and the critical analysis of primary and secondary sources
Awareness and sensitivity to diversity (in terms of people, cultures) and the ability to understand unfamiliar ideas and ways of thinking
the ability to digest, retain and apply complex information and ideas
Ability to conduct research and reference their work appropriately
Time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
The ability to reflect critically on the extent and limitations of how and what they have learned, discovered and understood
Quantitative and qualitative techniques
Teamwork and working with other students
Employers of all kinds tell us these are the skills they need and which you can transfer into the workplace. Employers are seeking confident, self assured graduates and PR21, along with other modules in PAIS, will help provide you with the evidence and skills to demonstrate you possess such qualities.