PIM85-Introduction to Qualitative research methods in Politics and International Relations

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Joseph O' Mahoney
Email: j.p.a.omahoney@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module covers the basics of research design and focuses attention on a range of widely used qualitative research methods in the study of politics and international relations. The main topics covered normally include case studies and within-case analysis or process-tracing, small-n comparative analysis, historical approaches, archival research, interview technique, critical discourse analysis, ethnographic methods and qualitative comparative analysis. 

Aims:
1. To equip students with an understanding of qualitative methods used in social science research.
2. To analyse the advantages and disadvantages of various research techniques and to consider for what purposes those techniques are most appropriate

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of this unit students should be able to:

1. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of various qualitative social research methods
2. Evaluate the appropriateness of these methods for their own research task
3. Critically evaluate the qualitative research methods employed in social science literature

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be taught in weekly two-hour seminars in the Autumn and Spring Terms. Students will be encouraged to use examples taken from their own field (and from their own research, where possible) in class discussion.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	18	10
Guided independent study:	82	90
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Portfolio	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

 

A 3,000-word report outlining how the research methods covered in the module could be applied to an actual research project (worth 60% of the module mark).

A Portfolio made up of a research question, annotated bibliography, literature review, and research design, totalling 3000 words.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
An overall module mark of 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of report and portfolio in September 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding: Students may incur photocopying costs for seminar reading or research at 5p per sheet.
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 30 March 2023