Proseminar I: Political Science Research Designs

Abstract

Teaching of formal requirements of scientific work (philosophy of science with a focus on the social sciences); literature reviews and the basics of conducting independent research on short as well as simple topics; basics of conceptualizing research designs for politically relevant questions and hypotheses.

Objective

1) Understanding the goal and the basic procedures of (empirical social sciences) scientific work (philosophy of science, theory building, research design, as well as the correct employment of sources, data and literature). 2) Identification of relevant research questions. 3) Creating a common basis for a thorough and systematic analysis of these.

Content

Political Methodology I seeks to introduce students to the basics of scientific work and procedures in the social sciences, which in turn shall allow them - also in conjunction with Political Methodology II - to conduct work that fulfills satisfactory standards of research quality throughout their further studies. With regard to Political Methodology I, this seminar primarily focuses on the philosophy and theory of (empirical social) sciences, its structure, and procedures. The seminar emphasizes substantive contents and ways of presenting them, research and, conceptual work. Additionally, it deals with the basis of establishing research designs with politically relevant questions and hypotheses.

Resources