Introduction to Methods

Kåre Vernby

Kåre Vernby (Uppsala universitet) Introduction to Methods November 4, 2013 1 / 10

Introduction

Main teacher
Kåre Vernby (kare.vernby@statsvet.uu.se)
Seminar teachers:
Ariel Young (Qual and Quant)
Johan Wejryd (Qual and Quant)
Ludvig Norman (Qual)
Chiara Ruffa (Qual)
Nynke Salverda (Qual and Quant)
Erika Forsberg (Quant)

Kåre Vernby (Uppsala universitet) Introduction to Methods November 4, 2013 2 / 10

The Idea

Introduce the tools of modern social science

The goal is to describe and/or explain social phenomena
To apply various methods in practical research
Strengths and weaknesses of different methodological techniques
Qualitative and quantitative techniques
Highlights common principles as well as relevant differences

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Course Outline

A Qualitative and Quantitative part

7.5 credits each
Begin with the Qualitative part
Exam November 29
Quantitative part starts with lecture on December 3
Exam January 17

Kåre Vernby (Uppsala universitet) Introduction to Methods November 4, 2013 4 / 10

Course Outline

The Qualitative part in more detail

Week 1: Concept Formation, Description and Explanation
Week 2: Case Studies
Week 3: Methods of Political Theory (Johan Tralau)
Week 4: Exam
Slides from my lectures will be uploaded on the Student Portal

Kåre Vernby (Uppsala universitet) Introduction to Methods November 4, 2013 5 / 10

Course Outline

Week 1-3: One mandatory seminar each week

Mandatory written homework assignment for each of these
More detailed instructions on the Student Portal
You are encouraged to collaborate!
But, must be written up and handed in individually
Length: 2-3 pages using 12pt font and single-spaced
Seminar group will go through questions and answers

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Course Literature

Main books:
Gerring, John. 2007. Case Study Research: Principles and Practices.
Cambridge University Press
Gerring, John. 2012. Social Science Methodology: A Unified
Framework (Second Edition). Cambridge University Press.
Kellstedt, Paul and Guy Whitten. 2008. The Fundamentals of
Political Science Research. Cambridge University Press. (Or the new
2nd edition)

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Course Literature

Additional literature:
Links to articles on the Student Portal.
Compendium for qualitative part sold at the Student Office
Compendium for quantitative part will be made available later

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Examination

To pass each of the two parts you need to

Pass the seminars
Pass the exam
To pass each part of the course with distinction you need to pass the
exam with distinction

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Practical Details

Remember to choose your seminar group at the Student Portal!

E-mail me anytime!
Questions?

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