MVZn4005 Qualitative methods in international relations

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 8 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
prof. PhDr. Zdeněk Kříž, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Ing. Mgr. Adriana Ilavská, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Karolína Garančovská (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Simona Dianová (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Zdeněk Kříž, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Fri 10:00–11:40 P22, except Fri 10. 4. ; and Tue 7. 4. 8:00–9:40 P21a, Mon 4. 5. 8:00–9:40 P21a, Mon 11. 5. 8:00–9:40 P21a
Prerequisites
! MVZ405 Research of IR && !NOW( MVZ405 Research of IR )
Knowledge of IR methodology on the bachelor level and higher.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
The course deals with methods of data collection and qualitative methods of data analysis. It aims to provide students with tools for elaborating their master's thesis in high quality. Students will learn how to code data, apply single-case study, comparative study, crisp set QCA and rewise the basics of academic writing.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to: Independently specify and solve complex problems of IR using appropriate theoretical, conceptual and methodologic apparatus. Analyse key dimensions of international relations (security, economic, energetic, legal, and societal). Apply research methodology in the realm of international relations in expert activities both in public and corporate spheres.
Key topics

1. Introductory lesson – course presentation, basic terminology, science, research perspectives

2. Causality as the ultimate goal of social science research?

3. Research proposal (thesis)

4. Selected data collection techniques in social science research

5. Analysis of one case in the form of a case study

6. Comparative case study

7. Introduction to qualitative comparative analysis, step-by-step csQCA procedure

8. csQCA exercise: How to select variables, set calibration criteria, dichotomization

9. csQCA exercise: How to deal with contradictory lines and logical residues

10. csQCA exercise: Interpreting and validating results

11. Content analysis

12. Critical discourse analysis

13. How to report on research. Principles of academic writing, or how to write a good thesis and not drive your supervisor crazy

Study resources and literature
    required literature
  • Beneš, V. - Drulák, P. (2019) Metodologie výzkumu politiky. Praha: Slon.
  • RAGIN, Charles C. and Lisa M. AMOROSO. Constructing social research : the unity and diversity of method. Third edition. Los Angeles: Sage, 2019, xii, 217. ISBN 9781483379302. info
  • DVOŘÁK, Tomáš; Lukáš FASORA; Bronislav CHOCHOLÁČ; Tomáš MALÝ; Denisa NEČASOVÁ; Zdeňka STOKLÁSKOVÁ and Martin WIHODA. Úvod do studia dějepisu 1 (Introduction to history 1). 1. vyd. Brno: Masarykova univerzita, 2014, 164 pp. ISBN 978-80-210-7012-7. Digitální knihovna FF MU info
  • SEDLÁKOVÁ, Renáta. Výzkum médií : nejužívanejší metody a techniky. Vydání 1. Praha: Grada Publishing, 2014, 539 stran. ISBN 9788024735689. URL info
  • RAGIN, Charles C. and Lisa M. AMOROSO. Constructing social research : the unity and diversity of method. 2nd ed. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, 2011, xii, 235. ISBN 9781412960182. info
  • Configurational comparative methods : qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and related techniques. Edited by Benoît Rihoux - Charles C. Ragin. Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2009, xxv, 209. ISBN 9781412942355. info
    recommended literature
  • Marek Loužek (ed.) John Stuart Mill. Dvě stě let od narození. Praha: CEP, 43-54.
  • TALEB, Nassim. Černá labuť : následky vysoce nepravděpodobných událostí. Translated by Jan Hořínek. Vyd. 1. Praha: Paseka, 2011, 478 s. ISBN 9788074321283. info
  • PUNCH, Keith. Úspěšný návrh výzkumu. Translated by Jan Hendl. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2008, 230 s. ISBN 9788073674687. info
  • POPPER, Karl R. Logika vědeckého bádání. Translated by Jiří Fiala. 1. vyd. Praha: Oikoymenh, 1997, 617 s. ISBN 80-86005. info
  • FAJKUS, Břetislav. Současná filosofie a metodologie vědy. Vyd. 1. Praha: Filosofia, 1997, 135 s. ISBN 80-7007. info
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
Lectures serve exclusively only as an introduction into the issue of the course. It is assumed that the main part of the subject matter will be managed through self-studying of the special literature. Practical exercise serve to improve the ability of students to use the given methods and computer software in research.
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements

Credits will be awarded based on:

  1. Group project submitted to the IS (max. 20 points)
  2. Oral exam consisting of a practical and theoretical part (max. 20 points)
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
Teacher's information
Requirements for students: The course is based on the assumption that students have mastered the basics of philosophy and methodology of science at the level of Bachelor's degree in International Relations as it is standardly taught at KMVES FSS MU (see Osička, J. (2015) Basics of Research and Methodology of International Relations. In Pšeja, P et al. Power and interests in the international system. Brno: CDK, pp. 326-348). For a study reference on this topic that originated outside MU (Olecká, I. - Ivanová, K. 2010. Methodology of scientific research. Olomouc) can be found in the compulsory literature folder and it is advisable to study this reference thoroughly before starting the course. The lectures serve consistently only as an introduction to the subject. It is assumed that students will master a substantial part of the material through self-study of the required literature. Lectures will be taught in a problem-based learning format and all students are expected to come to class prepared, that is, having read the required readings for the class. In this course, it is indeed essential to have the required readings read before the class for which they are intended!
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
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