everything.study
PSCI 2701

How to Do Research in Political Science

0.5 credit · Undergraduate

This course focuses on key elements of the research process, including how to ask questions and find answers using ethically informed research design. Students learn to develop a research proposal, and how to critically analyze and write evidence-informed arguments.

2026

Topics

  • Research Methods & Philosophy of Social Is Political Science a
  • Argument, Causation & Theory Argument
  • Research Question & Hypothesis Answering RQ
  • Case Study & Comparative Research Comparative
  • Research Ethics Ethics in Research
  • Textual Analysis Discourse Analysis
  • Observation & Field Research Ethnography
  • Survey Survey
  • Theory and Methodology

Readings

  • Berdahl, Loleen, and Jason Roy. 2021. Explorations: Conducting Empirical Research in Canadian Political Science (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University. Students may purchase the book online
  • Lecture 3: Argument, Causation & Theory Development Required Reading: Berdahl and Roy, Chapter 2 (read only constructing an argument) Marc Menard, Chapter 4
  • Berdahl and Roy, Chapter 2 (read only constructing an argument) Marc Menard, Chapter 4
  • Sandra Halperin and Oliver Heath (2012). Political Research: Methods and Practical Skills. Oxford University Press. Chapters 5 & 6 (available electronically in Ares)
  • Berdahl and Roy, Chapter 4 Lecture 6: Case Study & Comparative Research Required Reading: Berdahl and Roy, Chapter, 10.
  • Optional: John Gerring, What Is a Case Study and What Is It Good For? American Political Science Review 98 (2), 2004: 341-354.

Prerequisites & course information

Prerequisite(s): second-year standing. Lectures two hours a week, tutorials one hour a week.

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