Guides: POSC 2341 Scope and Methods in Political Science: Syllabus: POSC 2341 Scope and Methods

Syllabus: POSC 2341 Scope and Methods

Syllabus: POSC 2341 Scope and Methods
This class will discuss many of the techniques used in systematic study of political
issues. The goal of the course is to provide students with a broader understanding of social science methodology
and assist them in becoming informed and critical consumers of political information. The course curriculum is
designed to support POSC Program SLO #2 – “Students can write a properly researched, documented and
formatted research paper or oral presentation on topics pertinent to political science.”

1. Research Paper Components (41% of final course grade) Students are required to complete five assignments in the process of developing a quality 10-page research paper over a topic in class: writing 1) your research question & contacting faculty (50 points), 2) literature review 1st draft (80 points), 3) literature review 2nd draft & your thesis (80 points), 4) research methods & discussions (80 points), and 5) a final draft of your research paper (120 points). Please read my detailed instructions and rubric on these assignments on our Canvas website and check your assignment due dates.

2. Weekly Assignments (34% of final course grade) Students will complete a series of “hands on” assignments that are designed to engage one in the research process and to assess mastery of content related to research design: 1) naming your interests (30 points), 2) identifying a research question (25 points), 3) listing ten relevant articles (30 points), 4) mapping ten relevant articles (50 points), 5) writing annotated bibliography (70 points), 6) completing measurement exercise (30 points), 7) completing three quantitative exercises (35 points, each). Please read my detailed instructions and rubric on these assignments on our Canvas website and check your assignment due dates.