At the end of this course, the students; 1) Distinguish basic social scientific approaches and theoretical orientations and develop them in writing their thesis;
2) Understand topics and questions that are appropriate and inappropriate for social science research;
3) Comprehend logics of empirical research and the centrality of showing empirical evidences to social and political science research;
4) Know various data gathering and data analysis processes and creatively link them to each other in writing their thesis or in developing their research themes and questions; and
5) Evaluate and assess the centrality of the logic of (self-)critical thinking in conducting social scientific research.
MODE OF DELIVERY
Face to face
PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE
No
RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL PROGRAMME COMPONENT
No recommended optional programme componenets
COURSE DEFINITION
This course is designed for postgraduate students of political science and international relations students in order to introduce the fundamental methodological and strategic approaches that shape social and political science research. Comprehending the diversity of scientific perspectives towards social and political issues, and understanding the necessary stages of scientific research are important objectives of this course. In that scope, the introductory part of this course will compare the differences between social sciences and natural sciences. The specificity of social sciences will be revealed through focusing on four key elements, which are "the significance of context", "explanation", "interpretation", and "critique", and emphasis will be given to the relationships among these elements. Following this part, data gathering and data analysis processes and procedures will be explained through introducing qualitative and quantitative modes of explanations in social science research. Central stages of scientific research such as formulating research questions, writing research proposals, designing samples and selection of cases will also be explained in this part. In the third part, meanings of and relations between "ontology" and "epistemolog"? as the two levels of social science research will be explained. Various approaches and theory construction processes that stem out of linking these two levels in different ways will be examined. In Techniques and strategies in conducting research, preparing research proposals, and reporting drafts will be introduced in the final part.
COURSE CONTENTS
WEEK
TOPICS
1st Week
Social Science Research and Social Science Researcher (Neuman, Ch. 1., Booth et. al., Ch. 1-2.)
2nd Week
The Role of Theory in Social Sciences and Formulating Research Questions
(Neuman, Ch. 2., Booth et. Al., Ch. 3-4.)
3rd Week
Writing Research Proposals and Conducting Literature Review
(Neuman, Ch. 4., Booth, et. al., Ch. 5-6.)
4th Week
Introduction of Research Methods and Argument Structuring (Neuman, Ch. 5., Booth, et. al., Ch. 7-9.)
5th Week
Universe, Sampling Design and Structuring Research
(Neuman Ch. 6., Booth, et. al., Ch. 12-13.)
6th Week
Quantitative Methods and Techniques-1 & Research Presentation Techniques
(Neuman, Ch. 8., Booth, et. al. Ch. 15.)
7th Week
Quantitative Research Methods and Techniques-2
(Neuman, Ch. 7., Yüksel, F., O. Çevik ve Ç. Ardıç (2008) "Belediye Başkanlarının Gözüyle Yerel Yönetim Sorunları" Sosyal Bilimler Araştırma Dergisi (1), sf. 1-26.)
8th Week
Mid-Term
9th Week
Unobtrusive Research and Secondary Analyses
(Neuman, Ch. 9., Mastra, D. E., and S. R. Stern (2003) "Representations of Race in Television Commercials: A Content Analysis of Prime-Time Advertising" Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media (47:4), pp. 638-647.)
10th Week
Qualitative Research Methods and Techniques-1
(Neuman, Ch. 11., Damar, E. (2016) "Radicalisation of Politics and Production of New Alternatives in Turkey: Rethinking the `Secular/Islamic Divide After the Gezi Park Protests" Journal of Contemporary European Studies (24:2), pp. 207-222.)
11th Week
Qualitative research Methods and Techniques-2 (Neuman, Ch. 12., Migdal, J. S. (2009) "Researching the State" in M. Lichbach & A. Zuckerman (eds.), Comparative Politics: Rationality, Culture, and Structure (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), pp. 162-192.)
12th Week
Qualitative Data Analysis
(Neuman, Ch. 13.)
13th Week
Ethics in Social Sciences
(Neuman, Ch. 3., Booth, et. al., pp. 273-277.)
14th Week
Writing Social Science Research
(Neuman, Ch. 14., Booth et. al., Ch. 14, 16, 17.)
RECOMENDED OR REQUIRED READING
Neuman W. L. (2007) Basics of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 2nd ed. (Pearson Education).
Booth, W., G. G. Colomb, and J. M. Williams (2008) The Craft of Research, 3rd ed. (Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press).
PLANNED LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Lecture
ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA
Quantity
Percentage(%)
Mid-term
1
30
Assignment
1
30
Total(%)
60
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%)
60
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%)
40
Total(%)
100
ECTS WORKLOAD
Activities
Number
Hours
Workload
Midterm exam
1
1,5
1,5
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work
14
3
42
Preparation for Final exam
1
60
60
Course hours
14
3
42
Preparation for Midterm exam
1
60
60
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam
1
36
36
Homework
1
60
60
Total Workload
301,5
Total Workload / 30
10,05
ECTS Credits of the Course
10
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
Turkish
WORK PLACEMENT(S)
No
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES (KLO) / MATRIX OF LEARNING OUTCOMES (LO)
