POLI 3493

This course introduces the theory and practice of qualitative research methods to study political phenomena. Themes addressed in the course include the theoretical and conceptual implications of choosing a particular methodology; the philosophical assumptions behind social science research; the various qualitative research methods available to political scientists, including interviewing, participant observation, case studies, comparative analysis, and the use of documentary/primary sources; the evaluation of academic texts in political science, focusing on the logic of their argument, their methodologies, and the relationship between the evidence presented and their argument; and the ethical issues involved in conducting qualitative research.