Anglo-American University in Prague International Relations Research Methods
| Course Name | International Relations Research Methods |
| Course Code | IRS240 |
| Description | By reading a wide range of selected articles, analyzing them, and peer grading the analyses, the students will be exposed to different forms of methodology as they are actually used. This should make a stronger connection in the students’ minds about the philosophy and function of methodology in practice. By analyzing the articles, the students should learn how to both use and present different forms of methodology, as well as which forms work better in various areas of inquiry. They should also learn proper structure, citation, and threading of an argument. Through anonymous peer grading, the previous goals are reinforced as well as providing for a greater demand of accuracy by the student, since they are acting as teachers. In addition to this, the students see what their peers are doing and how, what works better and what works not so well, what points were missed that should not have been, etc. Hidden within this whole process is a rigorous introduction to the courses, materials, and standards that the students have to look forward to during their studies. The ultimate goal is that the students will be overall better thinkers, readers, and writers going forward, providing for better and more engaging class time as well as better and more engaging assignments. |
| Learning Outcomes | Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: – Comprehend and have a clear understanding of different epistemological positions in conducting research; – Grasp and apply the uses of theory in qualitative research; – Understand and demonstrate the link between a research question, research methods and sources; – Write methodologically sound qualitative research designs and criticize the methods used in other social science research projects; – Develop the ability to conduct basic academic research and analytical writing with the usage of proper citations, appropriate to the undergraduate level. |
| School | School of International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| Number of credits (US / ECTS) | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
| Prerequisites | IRS200 |