Main text and other information
Main Text (available in the Co-op bookshop):
David Marsh and Gerry Stoker (eds.) Theory and Methods in Political Science (Palgrave, 2010. 3rd edition)
Other readings will be placed on e-reserve.
Students
POIR901 – Research Methods in Politics and International Relations
2016 – S1 External
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Senior Lecturer
Ian Tregenza
Contact via 9850 8808
W6A429
TBA
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPPP or MIntRel or MPICTMIntSecSt or MPICT or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or MIntPubDip or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MTransInterMIntRel
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines general aspects of academic research including purpose/aims, questions and 'problems', organisation and design, the philosophy of science and associated debates, as well as specific methods and materials applied to pursue a research project including archives, interviews, surveys, quantitative, and discourse analysis.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
- knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
- practical experience in designing a research proposal
- knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Methods task | 20% | April 4 |
| Research project proposal | 40% | Week 12 |
| Presentations | 10% | Continuous |
| end of semester test | 30% | Week 13 |
Quantitative Methods task
Due: April 4
Weighting: 20%
Translation of statistical information into explanatory text. Length 1000 words. Instructions to be supplied in week 3.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
- knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
Research project proposal
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%
This assessment task presumes that all enrolled students are intending to progress on to undertake a major research project or are currently doing so. The task entails writing up a detailed, professional research proposal of 6 to 8 pages. Write concisely and with clarity. The individual items include:
-The identification of a problem and/or a central research question that the project will pursue
-Aims (what the project strives to discover/establish/refute) contextualized against a background
-The method/s to be used and justification why it/they are appropriate
-Organization of the project (e.g. what will be done where, chapter outline, etc)
-Review of relevant literature and identification of a lacuna that your project will fill – originality aspect
-Logistical and/or budgetary issues (e.g. travel requirements, special equipment, translation costs)
-A schedule/plan
-A bibliography of works cited
On successful completion you will be able to:
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
- knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
- practical experience in designing a research proposal
- knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research
Presentations
Due: Continuous
Weighting: 10%
Each internal student will be expected to give a presentation of the weekly readings and lead the class discussion. Topics will be allocated in the first tutorial (in week 1). In place of this external students are to choose one of the non-textbook readings from the unit schedule and write a 700-800 word critical summary. Due: Friday June 3.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research
end of semester test
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
A test of themes and material across the entire unit. The format may incorporate short answers, micro-essays or multiple choice responses and will be conducted in the seminar time. External students will have a take home exam to be sent in week 13.
Further details to be announced.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
- knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
- knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research
Delivery and Resources
Lectures will be delivered employing power point and other technology (including audio via Echo) as required. Power point slides will be placed on the unit iLearn site thereafter. Lectures are on Monday 3-4pm in W5C301 followed by the seminar in W5C302 4-6pm.
The textbook for the unit is Gerry Stoker and David Marsh (eds.) Theory and Methods in Political Science (Palgrave, 2010, 3rd edition). Copies are available in the co-op bookshop. We will use this text most weeks and other readings will be made available through e-reserve.
Unit Schedule
Lectures and seminars begin on 29 February.
A unit schedule with weekly topics and readings will be made available on ilearn.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
- practical experience in designing a research proposal
Assessment tasks
- Research project proposal
- end of semester test
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
- knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
- practical experience in designing a research proposal
- knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research
Assessment tasks
- Quantitative Methods task
- Research project proposal
- Presentations
- end of semester test
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
- knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
- practical experience in designing a research proposal
- knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research
Assessment tasks
- Quantitative Methods task
- Research project proposal
- Presentations
- end of semester test
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
- knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
- practical experience in designing a research proposal
Assessment tasks
- Research project proposal
- end of semester test
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
- knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
- practical experience in designing a research proposal
- knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research
Assessment tasks
- Quantitative Methods task
- Research project proposal
- Presentations
- end of semester test
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
Assessment tasks
- Research project proposal
- end of semester test