GOVT 410 Political Science Research

The study of politics can be confusing and contradictory. Conflicting ideas and arguments abound. This course will present the student with the tools necessary to recognize good scientific research and understand the steps required to design quality research. The student will also be introduced to the various methodological approaches that are used to answer political science questions.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be 400-500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. For each thread, the student must support his/her assertions with course readings and Watch items cited in proper APA format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150-250 words. 

Research Paper: Literature Review Assignment

The student will write a 1,000-1,250 word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on scholarly literature related to a political science area of interest. The paper must include at least 6 references in addition to the course textbook.

Research Paper: Theory and Hypothesis Assignment

The student will write a 250-500 word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on developing a theory and research hypotheses for a chosen research question. The paper must include references to the course textbook.

Research Paper: Research Methodology Assignment

The student will write a 250-500 word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on developing an appropriate research methodology to answer the research question the student has developed. The paper includes reference(s) to the course textbook, as necessary.

Research Paper: Final Assignment

The student will write a 1,500-2,500 word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on research design. The paper must include at least 6 references in addition to the course textbook.

Quizzes (2)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned Module: Week. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and contain 8-14 questions that are multiple-choice, matching, and/or short-answer questions. The time limit will be 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the quiz.