PS240: Introduction to Political Science

Instructor: Dr. Brian Smentkowski

Office: Carnahan Hall 211H

E-mail: bpsmentkowski@semo.edu

Class Meets: 9:00-9:50, MWF, CR210, and periodically in KL311 (TBA)

Introduction:

As the title suggests, this course provides an introduction to political science. As such, it examines the scope (what we do) and methods (how we do it) of the discipline. We will pay particular attention to substantive developments in the field of political science, as well as the tools for systematic analysis of them.  This class will focus on the development of an appropriate vocabulary for the discipline, the utility of theories and hypotheses to explain phenomena, and the methods used to test them. The class builds in a cumulative manner, so it is important that you pay attention to everything, from the basics in the beginning to the math at the end. Also, please note that the class will periodically meet in KL311, the CSTL Experimental Technology Classroom, located on the third floor of Kent Library. Class sessions held there will ordinarily include the use of table computers loaded with statistical software relevant to the "how we do it" part of the class. These sessions will be announced in class, and will mostly occur on Fridays.

In a class such as this I cannot overemphasize the importance of regular attendance and good study habits. The material itself is not prohibitively challenging, but if you fall behind you will find that it is nearly impossible to catch up. In order to understand the substance and strategies of political inquiry, you must keep up on the assigned readings. Also, since there will be several class projects and assignments, you should plan on a semester-long commitment to your work.

IMPORTANT: Image and voice recording devices are NOT permitted in this class, or any class that I teach. It is a violation of the law to record in whole or in part any portion of what is said or seen in this or any class that I teach, and to share in any way shape or form such content.

Required Texts:

Neuman, Lawrence W. Basics of Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. 3d ed. Pearson.

Pollock, Philip III. An SPSS Companion to Political Analysis. 3d ed. CQ Press.

*Additional readings will be assigned throughout the semester*

Grading Criteria:

ASSIGNMENT

% OF GRADE

Exam #1

20%

Exam #2

20%

Research Design

20%

Assignments (4@10% each)

40%

Total

100%

Final grades will be determined according to the standard 10-point split (eg: 90%-100%=A; <60%=F).

A Few Words About the Assignments:

The Exams offer you the opportunity to demonstrate a command of the material covered in class and in the readings. They will be held in class and there will be absolutely no make-up exams.

The Assignments are designed to keep your mind engaged in-between the exams. They will lighten the load for each test while preparing you for them. Specific information about each assignment will be given as the date for each approaches. Missed assignments can NOT be made up.

The Research Design is a semester-long project that requires you to identify a sound research question; explore the literature, theories and methods pertaining to it; and propose how you would undertake an original, systematic analysis of the topic. You will submit portions of the research design throughout the semester, and your work will culminate in one final paper and an oral presentation. More will be said about this in class, and additional materials are forthcoming,.

Tentative Schedule:

Note: The information, below, is subject to change, based upon the pace and interests of the class.  Any and all ideas for changes will be discussed in class.

Political science and the craft of social research
Fields and Subfields, basic strategies of inquiry		 Neuman, Ch.1
A broad overview of topics and terms: Power and Authority; Political Culture and Ideology; Political Systems and Political Institutions; Nations, States, and Nation States.  
 Assignment 1: In class. Knowing these things and studying these things  
EXAM 1  
   
Ethics in research Neuman, Ch.3
The basics of research design Pollock, 235-237
   
Asking good research questions: moving from what interests you to something you can systematically analyze Readings TBA
Research Design Assignment 1: Develop a problem statement/research question  
   
Gaining exposure: The literature review Neuman, Ch.4
Research Design Assignment 2: Draft literature review  
   
Theories and hypotheses Neuman, Ch.2
Research Design Assignment 3: Theories drawn from your literature review and hypotheses to test them  
   
Methods and measurement: An introduction Neuman, Ch.5 & 6
Assignment 2: Qualitative or quantitative? What does your project require?  
Quantitative Research Neuman, Chs 7-10
Variables and Descriptive Statistics Pollock, Ch 2
Assignment 3: Descriptive Statistics  
Making Comparisons and Inferences Pollock, Chs 4-7
Assignment 4: Comparison graphs and statistics  
Correlations and Causality Pollock, 8-10
Qualitative Research Neuman, Chs 11-13
Research Design Assignment 4: Methods and Measurement relevant for your project  
   
Putting it all together: assembling and presenting a complete research design
(final written project and in-class presentations)		  
FINAL EXAM  
   
   
   
   

A small list of relevant journals....