MVZ174 Methodology of politics and international relations research

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Zuzana Ringlerová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Suchý, 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
Mon 16:00–17:40 P51 Posluchárna V. Čermáka
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! MVZb1003 Method. of pol. end IR reserch && !NOW( MVZb1003 Method. of pol. end IR reserch )
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
there are 40 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the students with a basic notion of the nature of social sciences, social systems and scientific reflection on the problems and phenomena they bring about. A general introduction, which is focused on characterisation of science, defining of the specificities of social sciences and introduction into scientific research will be followed by an introduction into general methodological issues and an overview on the most significant methodological tools of political sciences. Moreover, the course will provide information on basic rules of scientific ethics, proper use of literature and other resources of research data. The course will be concluded by a presentation of available information databases, el. information sources, library fund and work with internet search engines and the library catalogue.
At the end of the course students will be able to define scientific research, its fundamental attributes and approaches; they will be able to use standard methodological tools of social sciences and will be capable of designing a research project of their own.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student will first understand the basics of scientific inquiry, its basic limitations, problems and advantages. Second, the student will be able to formulate and construct a basic research design, work critically with primary and secondary data sources, and on this basis be able to create his/her own scientific research project.
Syllabus
  • 1) Science and scientific research
  • 2) Political sciences – characterization and definition
  • 3) Limits of social systems research
  • 4) Literature, resources, scientific publication
  • 5) Methodology of a research project
  • 6) Selected methods in social science
Literature
  • KELLSTEDT, Paul M. and Guy D. WHITTEN. The fundamentals of political science research. [Brno]: [Masarykova univerzita. Středisko pro pomoc studentům se specifickými nároky], 2020, 1 online. URL info
  • DRULÁK, Petr. Jak zkoumat politiku : kvalitativní metodologie v politologii a mezinárodních vztazích. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2008, 255 s. ISBN 9788073673857. info
  • BABBIE, Earl R. The practice of social research. 9th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth, 2001, 1 sv. (rů. ISBN 0-534-57474-2. info
  • Jak se vyrábí sociologická znalost :příručka pro uživatele. Edited by Miroslav Disman. 3. vyd. Praha: Karolinum, 2000, 374 s. ISBN 80-246-0139-7. info
Teaching methods
Course consists of interactive lectures and of building of a research project.
Assessment methods
The overall assessment includes a midterm and final test, in-class activity, and homework.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
Teacher's information
Zuzana Ringlerová ringler@fss.muni.cz
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2006, Autumn 2007, Autumn 2008, Autumn 2009, Autumn 2010, Autumn 2011, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2013, Autumn 2014, Autumn 2015, Autumn 2016, Autumn 2017, Autumn 2018, Autumn 2019, Autumn 2020, Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023.
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