International Relations III
The course begins by further developing knowledge in qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of international relations as well as research design and PM. The emphasis of the course is on gaining skills in qualitative and quantitative methods and the ability to formulate your own scientific problem within the subject of international relations. This means, among other things, setting up and carrying out an independent (individual) investigation, presenting the results of this in a longer scientific essay, defending one's own text orally and opposing a fellow student's essay.
The course consists of 3 sub-courses:
Module 1: Qualitative methods in the study of international relations (7.5 credits)
The module begins with research design and introduction to scientific theory. The course then focuses on different qualitative methods and how they are applied. In the course, the student practices connecting theory, method and empirical material and to reflect on the consequences of methodological choices for the exploration of a different research questions.
The course provides deeper insights into different approaches to empirical research in the subject of international relations. In the course, the student is trained to connect theory, method and empirical material and to reflect on the trade-offs that the choice of method within qualitative studies requires.
Module 2: Quantitative methods in the study of international relations (7.5 credits)
The course begins with research design based on a problem-oriented focus. The course provides training in how to investigate research problems using quantitative methods and integrate and present results from the application of these methods in a scientific work. The course aims for the student to be able to understand and critically review quantitative research in IR, as well as be able to apply basic quantitative tools. The course covers both descriptive statistics (eg quantiles, variance and time series diagrams) and inferential statistics (eg hypothesis testing, linear regression analysis and critical interpretation of regression results).
Module 3: Independent work (15 credits)
The course focuses on writing an undergraduate thesis and on developing skills for academic seminar discussions. The seminars continuously deal with the various steps in the (scientific) essay work, such as setting up the research problem, choice of method and material as well as the problems that follow from the choices. In addition, the principles for academic opposition are included. The course ends with a defense of one's own essay (Bachelor's degree) and opposition to a fellow student's essay.
Teaching Format
Teaching is held in Swedish and English.
Module 1: Qualitative methods in the study of international relations
Lectures, seminars, individual and group exercises. Active participation in the seminars is mandatory. One seminar can be compensated for with an extensive assignment. Absence from two or more seminars means that the student must retake the course.
Module 2: Quantitative methods in the study of international relations
Teaching takes place through lectures, labs, individual and group exercises. Participation in sections with lab exercises is mandatory and a prerequisite for knowledge control to be carried out. Absence at a teaching session is compensated by a supplemental task. Absence from two or more teaching sessions means that the student must retake the course.
Module 3: Independent work
The teaching consists partly of ongoing seminars during the semester focused on method and craftsmanship, and partly of examination seminars. All the seminars are compulsory. In case of absence, supplementary information is added. In addition, the teaching takes place in the form of supervision. The student must demonstrate the ability to keep the established timetable for independent work.
Assessment
Module 1: Qualitative methods in the study of international relations
The sub-course is examined through oral and written examinations as well as compulsory exercises.
Module 2: Quantitative methods in the study of international relations
The sub-course is examined through ongoing oral and written submissions, and mandatory exercises.
Module 3: Independent work
Module 3 is examined through written submission of undergraduate thesis, oral defense and participation in examination seminars. When grading the undergraduate thesis (Bachelor’s degree), the following assessment criteria are used: problematization and relevance of research question; state of the art; theoretical approach; method, analyses of empirical material, the quality of the analyses and the ability to draw reasonable conclusions, an overall assessment of the study; proper referencing, ability to keep to the timetable for the project, consideration of ethical aspects, opposition of a fellow student’s essay, participation in a minimum of 5 examination seminars including seminar of own essay and opposition.
Assignments and independent work can be written in Swedish or English.
