POLS 3990: Introduction to Political Science Research

Dr. Leah Murray

Summer 2009 | Email: lmurray@weber.edu

Course	This course is designed to introduce students to the scope and methods of political science. The focus of the course is the formulation of hypotheses, appropriate study design, the collection of data, and data analysis through methodological testing and interpretation. We will examine which methods are used to answer political questions and learn how to apply those methods to individual projects.
Required Materials	Janet Buttolph Johnson and H.T. Reynolds. Political Science Research Methods, 6/e. Washington D.C.: CQ Press, 2008. Janet Buttolph Johnson and H.T. Reynolds. Working with Political Science Research Methods, 2/e. Washington D.C.: CQ Press, 2008. Holcomb. SPSS Basics, 2/e. Pyrczak Publishing, 2009.
Assignments	SPSS Assignments 14 SPSS assignments Graded on result 30% average grade Weekly Assignments 14 workbook assignments Graded on result 30% average grade Project 10 – 15 page research design Instructions given in separate handout 40%
Policies	Academic Integrity You have integrity if you treat other students with respect. This includes not plagiarizing, not cheating on exams and quizzes and not treating other students’ opinions with intolerance. Any breach of this will result in a failing grade on the assignment or immediate expulsion from the classroom. Services for Students with Disabilities Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities in room 181 of the Student Service Center. SSD can also arrange to provide course materials in alternative formats if necessary. Grading Grades will be given within 2 weeks from when I receive the assignment. Any discussion about grades should be done within two weeks. Late Work No assignment will be accepted late without arrangements made with me.

When We Are	What We’re Covering	What We’re Reading	What’s Due
May 11 – 15	Studying Politics Scientifically	Text Ch. 1 – 2	SPSS 1 – 2 Weekly 1 – 2 Choice of Topic
May 18 – 22
May 25 – 29	Theory Building	Text Ch. 3 – 5	SPSS 3 – 5 Weekly 3 – 5
June 1 – 5
June 8 – 12	Setting the Foundation	Text Ch. 6 – 7	SPSS 6 – 7 Weekly 6 – 7 Literature Review
June 15 – 19
June 22 – 26	Qualitative Analysis	Text Ch. 8 – 10	SPSS 8 – 10 Weekly 8 – 10
June 29 – July 3
July 6 – 10
July 13 – 17	Quantitative Analysis	Text Ch. 11 – 14	SPSS 11 – 14 Weekly 11 – 14
July 20 – 24
July 27 – 31
August 3 – 7	Writing the Research	Nothing	Methodology
August 10 – 14