COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LIST - POLI 343: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL RESEARCH

University of Ghana

Department of Political Science 

First Semester, 2013/2014 Academic Year

Lecturer: Dr. Isaac Owusu-Mensah

 

Course Title	Introduction to Political Research
Course Code	Poli 343
Purpose and Objectives	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.
Week No.	Date	Lecture Course	Tutorials	Venue	Assessment
1	13th August, 2013	Introduction to course a.       Administrative elements of the course/Course structure b.      What is and what is not a research.		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
2	20th  August, 2013	Political Research Types and features of good research		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
3	27th August, 2013	a.       Purpose and use of research b.      Tools of research		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
4	3rd September, 2013	Sources of Knowledge		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
5	10th September, 2013	Scientific Knowledge Process		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
6	17th September, 2013	Methods and Methodologies Qualitative Research		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
7	24th September 2013	Methods and Methodologies Quantitative Research		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14	Interim Assessment (30%)
8	1st October, 2013	Methods and Methodologies Mixed Methods		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
9	8th October, 2013	Introduction The significance and use in various research designs: a.       Quantitative b.      Qualitative c.       Mixed Methods		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
10	15thOctober, 2013	Statement of the Problem in Research Designing and defining a research question		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
11	22nd October, 2013	Hypotheses The significance and use of hypothesis in various research designs: d.      Quantitative e.      Qualitative f.        Mixed Methods		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
12	29th October, 2013	Theory The significance and use of theory in various research designs: a.       Quantitative b.      Qualitative c.       Mixed Methods Types of theories Levels of theory		Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
13	5th November, 2013	Revision	Revision	Lecture: NNB 2 and JQB 14
15 - 16	Exam (70%)

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