Module overview
This module will introduce students to the practice of qualitative research in politics and international relations. Students will learn and apply key skills involved in gathering and analysing qualitative data, and reflect on the strengths and limitations of different approaches.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply practical skills in gathering qualitative data
- Apply practical skills in analysing qualitative data
- Reflect on the strengths and limitations of different approaches to research in politics
Syllabus
Indicative lecture topics:
- Questions of ontology and epistemology
- Designing research questions
- Interviews
- Case studies / comparative method
- Document / discourse analysis
- Participant observation
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be 2 hours of lectures per week. All will be recorded and posted on Blackboard. Lectures will be delivered either face to face or online only depending upon University and Public Health England Guidance at the time. Total of 24 hours of lectures (2 hours per week X 12 weeks) per module.
Weekly student participation in online discussion boards. 1 hour per week delivered asynchronously. (1 hour X 12 weeks)
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 114 |
Teaching | 36 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
John Boswell, Jack Corbett, R.A.W. Rhodes (2019). The Art and Craft of Comparison. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Discussion board activity | 25% |
Research proposal | 25% |
Research project | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Individual research report | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Individual research report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External