University of Ghana
Department of
Political Science
First Semester, 2019/2020
Academic Year
Lecturer: Dr. Isaac
Owusu-Mensah Office Hours: Monday: 6:30-8:30,
Tuesday 7:30-09:30 and Friday 3:30-5:30
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Course
Title
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Course
Code
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Poli 343
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Purpose
and Objectives
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The course is intended to introduce
students to philosophies underpinning social science research. The purpose of
this course is to give students a firm grounding in the fundamentals of
political research and to familiarize students with a range of typical
research designs and processes in political science. Consequently, students
will be provided with the core foundation of research and skills that can be
applied in an academic setting or work.
OBJECTIVES:
·
To provide an introduction to
different theories of and approaches to carrying out social research with
specific emphasis on political research methodology.
·
To understand the philosophy
and logic underlying social science research.
·
To appreciate the principles
that guide design and evaluation of social science research.
·
To be confident in applying
appropriate research methods to answer social and political issues.
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Week
No.
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Date
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Lecture
Course
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Tutorials
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Venue
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Assessment
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1
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19th,
20th and 23rd August,
2019
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Introduction to course
a. Administrative elements of the course/Course structure
b. What is and what is not a research.
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Lecture:
JQB 22
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2
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26th
27th and 30th August, 2019
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Political Research
Types and features of good research
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Lecture: JQB 22
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3
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2nd
, 3rd and 6thSeptember, 2019
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a. Purpose and use of research
b. Tools of research
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Lecture:
JQB 22
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4
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9th,
10th, 13th September, 2019
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Sources of Knowledge
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Lecture: JQB 22
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5
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16th
, 17th and 20th September, 2019
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Scientific Knowledge
Process
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Lecture: JQB 22
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6
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23rd,
24th and 27th September, 2019
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Methods and Methodologies
Qualitative Research
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Lecture: JQB 22
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7
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30th
Sept., 1st 4th Oct 2019
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Methods and Methodologies
Quantitative Research
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Lecture:
JQB 22
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Interim
Assessment (30%)
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8
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7th,
8th and 11th October, 2019
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Methods and Methodologies
Mixed Methods
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Lecture: JQB 22
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9
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14th,
15th, and 18th October,
2019
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Introduction
The significance and use in various
research designs:
a. Quantitative
b. Qualitative
c. Mixed Methods
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Lecture:
JQB 22
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10
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21st
22nd and 25th October, 2019
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Statement of the Problem
in Research
Designing and defining a research
question
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Lecture: JQB 22
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11
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28th,
29th Oct and 1st Nov. 2019
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Hypotheses
The significance and use of hypothesis
in various research designs:
d. Quantitative
e. Qualitative
f.
Mixed Methods
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Lecture: JQB 22
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12
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4th,
5th and 8th
November
2019
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Theory
The significance and use of theory in
various research designs:
a. Quantitative
b. Qualitative
c. Mixed Methods
Types of theories
Levels of theory
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Lecture: JQB 22
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13
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11th,
12th and 15th November, 2019
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Revision
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Revision
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Lecture: JQB 22
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15
- 16
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Exam (70%)
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KEY Reference Texts:
1.
Leedy, P.D and Ormrod, J. E. (
2010). Practical Research: Planning and Design. Ninth Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. pp: 1-7.
2. Kreuger L. W and Lawrence Neuman, W (2003). Social Work Research Methods: Qualitative and
Quantitative Applications. Boston:
Pearson Education Inc. pp. 11-16 (Steps of the Research Process)
3. Creswell, J.W (2009).
Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches.
Third Edition. London: Sage Publishing
Inc. Chapter One: The Selection of Research Design pp 1-20
4. Dawson, C (2011).
Introduction to Research Methods: A practical guide to anyone
undertaking a research project. Oxford:
How To Books Ltd pp. 1-8
5. May, T (2010). Social
Research: Issues, Methods and Process.
New York: Open University Press. Chapter One: Perspective on Social
scientific research pp. 7-27.
6. Wolfer, L (2007). Real
Research: Conducting and Evaluating Research in the Social Sciences. Boston: Pearson Education Inc. pp 13-18.
7.
Blaikie, Norman (2010). Designing Social Research: The Logic of
Anticipation. Second Edition. Cambridge:
Polity Press. pp. 124-147
8.
Punch, K.F (2005). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative
and Qualitative Approaches. Second
Edition. London: Sage Publications Ltd. pp. 37-39
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