Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC2083: The Research Toolkit for Politics and International Relations

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This module will provide an introduction to research design, research execution, research methods both in theory and in practice. You will learn how to execute a literature review and scope out a research project. In addition to standard lectures, you will work in small groups in seminars to design research instruments, collect and analyse data. This module will also introduce you to traditional and critical methodologies for the study of International Relations, encourage you to develop, apply, reflect upon the use of these methods and train you in the skills to design, justify and conduct independent research in International Relations.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Identify, describe, contrast and analyse competing theoretical and methodological approaches in Political science and IR research
2. Develop and provide a rationale for a given research question, based on a critical review of scholarship.
3. Apply different methods and methodological approaches to the analysis of empirical and normative issues in politics and international relations, and display a competent awareness of the underlying philosophical assumptions, the limitations, and the implications of each approach.
4. Analyse data to measure concepts, make comparisons, draw inferences
5. Use evidence to explain and defend the adoption of a particular methodological approach to the analysis of given research question.
Discipline-Specific Skills6. Communicate political science concepts, theories, methods in writing.
7. Use analytical skills in both written and oral work.
8. Deploy a range of research tools, assessing their applicability to addressing particular research questions.
Personal and Key Skills9. Work with peers, interact effectively within a team/learning group, share information and ideas.
10. Manage relevant learning resources, information, learning strategies and to develop own arguments and opinions with some guidance.
11. Communicate effectively in your written and oral work