This course introduces students to concepts and debates about research design in Political Science. It discusses research design as a core element in formulating viable ways of tackling important theoretical or practical research questions in a methodologically sound and empirically feasible manner. The course will equip participants with the necessary skills to critically assess the research design of existing studies and enable them to design research projects of their own. It is suitable for students with little prior training in research design and methodology and open to students from disciplines beyond Political Science. For students in the MA in European Studies, it is recommended to complete this mandatory course at the beginning of the programme.
The course is composed of a lecture and accompanying seminar that allows students to discuss and apply concepts and approaches introduced. It is required to enrol in the lecture course in parallel during the same semester. The lecture covers the development of research questions, the role of theory and concepts, and introduces students to different types of research design. This seminar complements the lecture course of the same title and enables students to reflect upon and apply concepts and approaches covered during the lecture. It focuses in particular on applications from the field of European Politics and combines student presentations and discussions of published studies with invited guests who will offer hands-on insights into the use and limitations of specific research approaches. Throughout the course, students will prepare a research portfolio individually or in pairs that allows them to apply different research approaches to a specific research question.
- Teacher: Daniel Sandu
- Teacher: Natasha Wunsch