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2018/2019  KAN-CPOLO1601U  Social Science Methods and Research Design

English Title
Social Science Methods and Research Design

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc/MSc i International Business and Politics, MSc
Course coordinator
  • Mads Dagnis Jensen - Department of International Economics, Governance and Business (EGB)
Main academic disciplines
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 25-06-2018

Relevant links

Learning objectives
  • Outline and explain the methods and research designs that are introduced in the course.
  • Select and apply qualitative and/or quantitative methods that are relevant for answering a particular research question.
  • Conduct an independent empirical analysis of a problem or issue relevant for international business and politics using the qualitative and/or quantitative methods introduced in the course.
  • Interpret and analyse the outcome and/or results of the qualitative and/or quantitative empirical analysis appropriately in relation to a given research problem.
  • Critically assess and reflect on the strengths and weakness of the methods and research designs introduced in the course.
Examination
Social Science Methods and Research Design:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
A new exam assignment must be answered. This applies to all students (failed, ill, or otherwise)
Course content and structure

The course introduces students to methods and research designs for empirical research in the social sciences at an intermediary and advanced level. Topics covered in the course consist of both qualitative and quantitative methods, such as interviewing, content analysis, social network analysis, and various types of regression analysis for causal inference, and also includes an overview on how/where to gather data. The methods introduced will be illustrated through issues and examples that are relevant in contemporary debates in international business and politics, and which are relevant for extended projects such as an MSc thesis. The course consists of a mix of lectures and exercise classes/seminars. The exercises classes/seminars will emphasise hands-on applications of the methods introduced in the lecturers. Software needed for conducting empirical qualitative and/or quantitative analysis will also be introduced in the course. 

Description of the teaching methods
Face-to-face teaching: Lectures, exercise classes and discussions.
Feedback during the teaching period
The course seeks to offer feedback wherever feasible. Lectures and classes will provide extensive opportunities for questions and answers. Students are also encouraged to take full advantage of staff office hours if they would like to a chance to ‘test’ lines of argument, secure further information about course themes, or receive comments on written work.
Student workload
Preparation time (readings, group work etc.) 118 hours
Lectures / class exercises / “homework cafés” / workshops etc. 20 hours
Exam (incl. preparation for the exam and actual exam period) 70 hours
Last updated on 25-06-2018