Courses

Introduces quantitative research methods used in political science. Focuses on basic tools of analysis: data collection, processing, and evaluation, with special attention to survey techniques. Includes elite and case study analysis; aggregate, cluster, and content analysis; and the use of computers in political research. Restricted to students with 6 completed hours of political science course work. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: quantitative reasoning and mathematical skills.

This course is designed to survey the wide range of research designs and methods employed in political science research, including normative analysis, interpretive analysis and causal analysis. It will provide an introduction to students planning to write honors theses and will be useful for any student planning to do research in political science as part of a senior seminar or capstone course. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: quantitative reasoning and mathematics. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-86 credits (Sophomores or Juniors) only.

Focuses on the rational choice approach to understanding social decision making. Examines possibilities for choosing rational courses of social action and concrete problems of rational decision making. Prereqs., PSCI 1101 or 2012. Restricted to sophomores/juniors/seniors.

Involves writing and discussion of selected topics in political science. Critically reviews the major methodological and conceptual features of the discipline. Students begin their honors papers in the seminar. Prereq., GPA of at least 3.50. Formerly PSCI 4718. Generally offred in fall term only.

Independent research in a topic of special interest. Arrangements made to suit needs of each student. Not a free option; must be approved by student's advisor and department chair. Does not count as a seminar. May be repeated up to 7 total credit hours. Same as PSCI 8905. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Develops competence in engaging formal theories of politics and in constructing and solving basic game-theoretic models of political behavior. Restricted to graduate students or instructor consent required. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Introduces graduate students to intellectual foundations and historical development of political science; epistemologies, subfields, intellectual approaches, methodological strategies of the discipline; and ethics and norms of professional conduct. Restricted to graduate students or instructor consent required. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Provides intensive experience with quantitative techniques commonly employed in political science research; builds on a review of multivariate regression, inferential statistics, and causal modeling. Students undertake substantive research projects, requiring lab instruction in the use of the computer in quantitative applications of political science research. Prereq., graduate standing in PSCI or instructor consent. Prerequisites: Restricted to Political Science (PSCI) graduate students only.

Provides advanced training in empirical and analytic methods of political analysis. Covers general multivariate linear (regression) model as employed in political science. Also covers a variety of dynamic approaches to empirical analysis (stochastic models, time series, and simulation). Prereq., PSCI 7085. Restricted to graduate students. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Develop proficiency in constructing research designs with qualitative methods. The goal is to understand and be able to justify research designs involving relatively small numbers of observations as good political science given the fact that such designs may limit our ability to generalize. Restricted to graduate students or instructor consent required. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Introduces the application and role of models in political science (domestic and international politics), in areas such as voting, committees, power, decision making, and war and peace. Models include applications of set theory, elementary probability, games, and systems analysis. Restricted to graduate students or instructor consent required.

Help students make progress towards (1) in the short term: focusing in on a dissertation topic, crafting a dissertation prospectus, and identifying potential funding sources; and (2) in the long term: sending papers out for review, developing a package for the job market, and understanding the academic job market and the tenure process. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Not a free option; must be approved by the student's advisor and program chair. Does not count as seminar. Not more than 6 hours of independent study may be credited toward PhD degree in political science. Special independent study approval agreement form must be completed by student and signed by faculty advisor. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.

Provides an opportunity for independent research in a topic of special interest. Arrangements are made to suit the needs of each particular student. Not a free option; must be approved by student's advisor and department chair. Does not count as a seminar. May be repeated up to 7 total credit hours. Same as PSCI 6905.

All doctoral students must register for not fewer than 30 hours of dissertation credit as part of the requirements for the degree. For a detailed discussion of doctoral dissertation credit, refer to the Graduate School section.