Project on Introduction to Political Science | POLS 2000, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Political Science

Download Project on Introduction to Political Science | POLS 2000 and more Study Guides, Projects, Research Political Science in PDF only on Docsity! POLS 2000: Introduction to Political Science Fall 2006 Professor Marija Bekafigo Ph.D. Candidate Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 11-12 or by appointment Office: Baldwin Hall 101C Email: [email protected] Course Overview: This course is designed to introduce beginning students to the study of political science with an emphasis on empirical political research methods and tools used to conduct and evaluate scholarly research. We will understand, critique, and conduct political science research. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in this course to be admitted to the Political Science major. Required Reading: -The Basics of Social Research, by Earl Babbie -The Political Science Student Writer’s Manual, by Gregory M. Scott and Stephen M. Garrison, 5th edition -Also various articles that can be found on j-stor Highly recommended reading: -A Simple Guide to SPSS for Windows 12.0 and 13.0 with CD-ROM, by Lee A. Kirkpatrick and Brooke C. Feeney (you will not receive a grade for the work in this book, but it will help you with the SPSS analysis that you must perform as part of the survey research group project) Class attendance and Participation (10%): Although I do not generally take attendance, I expect students to show up for class and participate in a meaningful way. Every student should come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings, and help others to understand the concepts presented in the readings and assignments. Multiple absences seriously jeopardize the prospect for successful completion of the course. In borderline grade cases, students who come to class everyday and participate in the lecture will be rewarded with the higher grade. You will also be asked to complete in-class assignments or participate in group assignments. Exams (20% each): There will be three exams. The exams are non-cumulative, however most of what we discuss in class builds on the previously presented material. If you don’t know how to turn the stove on or boil water then it is unlikely that you can cook pasta. If you receive a “C” or below on one of your exams, please come see me before the next exam and before it is too late! Please do not wait until the end of the term to tell me you are having difficulties/are failing the course. -Exam dates are tentative and are dependent upon our progress in the class. If the exam dates do change, I will give you plenty of advance notice. Exam 1- September 25 Exam 2- November 6 Exam 3- November 29 Survey Group Exercise (10%): Each of you will be assigned to a group to examine a research question related to political behavior. More on this in class. Due in class following presentations in December. Research Proposal including an article critique (20%): You will design a research proposal including your puzzle, what you are trying to explain including your dependent and independent variables (and why you chose them), hypotheses and alternatives, previous research, the type of data and evidence you would use, and importance of study. See pages 115-116 of Babbie text and Scott and Garrison pg 112-115. Due November 20. Make-up policy/Late assignments: Missed exams will receive a grade of zero unless you have a verifiable medical reason or other emergency. Please advise me in advance if at all possible so that we can work out other arrangements. Late assignments will receive a penalty of 10 points per day that it is late. No assignments will be accepted via email. Class Schedule: The following is a tentative calendar or guideline. The professor reserves the right to change the syllabus. It is your responsibility to be aware of changes that are made in class. I will make every effort to post class changes to webct. August First assignment-Bring in a picture of yourself (preferably a head shot) on an index card or piece of paper with your name and email address. 16-18 Babbie Chapter 1 Human Inquiry and Science Begin reading Chapters 1-4 in Scott and Garrison (complete by August 28) 21- Babbie Chapter 2 Paradigms, Theory and Research (pages 42-56 only) 23-- Babbie Chapter 3 The Ethics and Politics of Social Research 25- 28 -Babbie Chapter 4 Research Design Begin reading Scott and Garrison Chapters 5-9 (complete by October 1) 30 -APSA meeting no class September 1-APSA meeting no class 4- Labor Day-no class 6- 8-