Upon completion of the course students are able to
? apply a specific method in analyzing international relations in an appropriately advanced manner
? write about the chosen research method in clear and concise manner
? critically reflect on their research projects and identify ethical issues in them

During this course students write and present an essay comparing and discussing two research methods and the importance of the choice of method. The topic of the essay is chosen by the student in consultation with the responsible teacher. The group meets during the writing process to receive feedback on their writing.

Admission requirements: a completed university-level Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the field of specialization, or in a related field

Requirements

Essay (4500-5000 words)

The essay is expected to

• introduce and contrast two IR methods
• display examples of the use of both of the methods in IR research literature and/or in your own research materials.
• discuss the methods and their relationship to the notions of “science”, “science question”, “ontology”, “epistemology” and “methodology” by engaging with the first two chapters (“Playing with Fire” and “Philosophical Wagers”) in Patrick Thaddeus Jackson’s book Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations (available as ebook via Tamcat).
• be based on good quality academic literature (journals, books, etc.)

This is a list of books that you may use to get started with a given method but, please, note that you are expected to use other study materials besides these (remember the Nelli Portal and journal articles).

Ackerly - Stern -True (eds.), Feminist Methodologies for International Relations. Cambridge University Press 2007.

Chandler, Semiotics: The Basics. Routledge 2004.

Czarniawska, Narratives in Social Science Research. Sage 2004.

Fairclough, Analysing Discourse: Textual Analysis for Social Research. Routledge 2003.

George and Bennett, Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences. MIT Press 2005.

Perelman, The Realm of Rhetoric. University of Notre Dame Press 1982.

Navari (eds.), Theorising International Society. English School Methods 2009.

Sprinz - Wollinsky, Models, Numbers, and Cases: Methods for Studying International Relations. University of Michigan Press 2004

Tetlock et.al., Unmaking the West: “What-If” Scenarios That Rewrite World History. University of Michigan Press 2006.

First meeting, 4 October at 10.15 - 11.45. Subsequent meetings to be scheduled at the first meeting  but will take place on Tuesdays at 10.15.