This course aims to introduce students with the idea of using empirical research in social sciences. Going through the most significant and useful conceptions initially, the course then stresses upon all different and possible methods to be used. The last part of the course focuses on how to analyze the findings of a research, report them and take all these steps within the ethical standards.
Prerequisite(s)
Course Code Course Name…
Corequisite(s)
Course Code Course Name…
Special Requisite(s)
The minimum qualifications that are expected from the students who want to attend the course.(Examples: Foreign language level, attendance, known theoretical pre-qualifications, etc.)
Instructor(s)
Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazlı Çağın Bilgili
Course Assistant(s)
Schedule
Tuesday, 18:00-20:45; Atakoy Campus 1B-02
Office Hour(s)
By appointment
Teaching Methods and Techniques
Lecture, discussion, presentations
Principle Sources
Johnson, J. B. and H. T. Reynolds. (2012). Political Science Research Methods. Los Angeles: Sage.
Other Sources
Matthews, B. and L. Ross. (2010). Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences. Essex: Pearson.
Berg, B. L. (2001). Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. USA: Pearson.
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Introduction to the course
Lecture
2. Week
The nature and tools of research in social sciences
Lecture
3. Week
The empirical approach to political science
Lecture
4. Week
Beginning the research process
Lecture
5. Week
Theories, paradigms, hypotheses
Lecture
6. Week
Research design
Lecture
7. Week
Sampling
Lecture
8. Week
Midterm break
9. Week
Observation
Lecture and discussion
10. Week
Interviews
Lecture and discussion
11. Week
Focus group
Lecture and discussion
12. Week
Surveys and questionnaires
Lecture and discussion
13. Week
Preparing the research report
Lecture and discussion
14. Week
Ethics in social science research
Lecture and discussion
15. Week
Final exam
16. Week
Final exam
17. Week
Final exam
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Homework / Term Projects / Presentations
3
75
Final Exam
1
25
Program Outcomes
PO-1
1.To identify and use advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in International Relations and Diplomacy.
PO-2
2.To express ideas and assessments about contemporary debates in International Relations.
PO-3
3.To monitor and interpret published studies in International Relations.
PO-4
4.To analyze, compare and relate different local, regional and global developments in International Relations.
PO-5
5.To analyze, compare and relate International Relations with theories and practices of different associate departments and their sub-fields and to offer suggestions by combining these fields.
PO-6
6.To present substantial knowledge for various public, private and academic career positions. To reach the necessary academic level in order to pursue doctoral research.
PO-7
7.To analyze the emergence and functions of prominent regional and local actors and to make future projections about their actions.
PO-8
8.To theoretically and practically examine different events and facts in International Relations and Foreign Policy and to interpret their past, present and future through a scientific perspective.
PO-9
9.To employ advanced level knowledge in International Relations and Foreing Policy to develop the society educationally and culturally.
PO-10
10.To lead the organizations that necessitate the resolution of the problems related to International Relations and Foreing Policy and to organize personal, institutional and team studies in advanced level.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
To identify the need for scientific research in social sciences
LO-2
To express the topic of interest as a valid and interesting research question
LO-3
To identify the research method appropriate to the research question
LO-4
To discuss the findings of the research
LO-5
To identify the basic characteristics of the most frequently used research methods in social sciences
