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2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PIED5779M Research Methods

30 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Seiki Tanaka
Email: S.K.Tanaka@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The aim of this module is to provide an overview and systematic assessment of the main theoretical and methodological issues involved in the study of politics, and introduce students to the different research methods, resources, and methods of analysis in research.The module considers the importance of ontological and epistemological issues and their implications for research. We cover key approaches to political science, including institutional approaches; behavioural analysis; rational choice theory; feminist approaches; discourse analysis; and structure and agency debates. We also examine the use of key research methods, including interviewing, document analysis, survey design, and introductory data analysisBrief Reading ListDavid Marsh and Gerry Stoker (eds.), Theory and Methods in Political Science (London: Palgrave, 2010)Hay, C. Political Analysis (London:Palgrave, 2002)Burnham (et al) (2008) Research Methods in Politics, London: Palgrave.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to provide an overview and systematic assessment of the main theoretical and methodological issues involved in the study of politics, and introduce students to the different research methods, resources, and methods of analysis in research.

Syllabus

- Introduction
- Epistemology, Ontology and Research
- Behaviouralism and Rational Choice Theory Institutionalism, Feminism and the Structure-Agency Debate - Discourse Analysis Qualitative Interviewing and Document Analysis Survey Methods and Data Introductory Data Analysis.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Seminar112.0022.00
Private study hours278.00
Total Contact hours22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Private study


Students will be required to prepare for discussions in seminars through extensive reading of sources listed on the module reading list. In addition to this, students should spend time preparing for their assessments which should include finding and using sources not listed on their reading list.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

One 2,000 word non-assessed essay.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Project4,000 word report100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/04/2019

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