Introductory description

Political Research in the 21st Century is a module in research skills. The focus is on enabling YOU to become a political scientist - a 21st century political researcher.

In one sense, research simply means finding out about a topic We all conduct research in our everyday lives - whether that is where to go on holiday, which music or film streaming service to use, or which mobile phone to buy.

However, even in this sense, we need specialised skills to be an effective and successful (political) researcher.

In another sense, research involves an original contribution to knowledge. Even if it is not always possible for research at undergraduate level to result in the production of new knowledge, the political discoveries that are made can be new to the student, or new in a specific learning context.

What matters is perhaps less the originality of the research outcome than the manner in which it is acquired, i.e., in a way which is as close as possible to a genuine research experience.

The notion of ‘student as researcher’ and 'student as producer' is central to the module's ethos. We encourage you to be co-producers with us of education, and seek to equip you to be active producers of knowledge. The module will provide you with skills for success. It will enable YOU to discover politics through developing your own personal toolkit.

The module provides an invaluable insight into how research is conducted in the discipline today and allows you to develop a critical awareness of the limits and limitations of the research you will read throughout their degree.

It provides an introduction to research methods and the research process in political science, with a focus on the internet and social media, film, music and popular culture, as well as more conventional sources and techniques.

The module also equips you with the skills to make a successful transition from school and college to university. It focuses on how we can best support you to become autonomous learners and, through this, develop transferable skills to enhance their employability.

Every effort is made to demonstrate links to other modules taken throughout your studies. It will help you to undertake work such as assessed essays in your second and final year and final year dissertations (and may be even postgraduate study!)

The module will put you in a stronger position to take advantage of other great opportunities - such as the University Research Support Scheme (URSS), The Reinvention Journal, the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR), the International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR), and funding opportunities available through the Institute of Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL).

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

Reading lists can be found in Talis

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 this module, along with other modules in PAIS, will help provide you with the evidence and skills to demonstrate you possess such qualities.