Module Code - Title:
PS5131
-
RESEARCH METHODS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
A
Prerequisite Modules:
IL5031
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is designed to enable MA students in the Dept. of Politics and Public Administration who have taken IL5021 (Research Methodology) in the Autumn term, to progress their own dissertation work via series of dissertation seminars which will deal directly with students' own dissertation material and ideas in order to progress their research design and execution
Syllabus:
Seminars will be organised between faculty around a series of research clusters that will be defined according to the proposed dissertation contents of student research. The clusters will be organised so that faculty from related areas (empricially or methodologically) will be available to discuss the progression of student MA dissertation work in terms of research design and implementation.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Find alternative ways of explaining main features of alternative explanatory models.
Explain the principles governing the selection and application of selected methods to key political questions.
Match theoretical frameworks to empirical problems.
Classify alternative variables to create typologies for explanation of political events.
Recognise the alternative ways of explaining key political ideas and/or events.
Evaluate the research findings of others in light of their method and approach.
Organise a research project.
Participate in discussion fora to progress work.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Acknowledge differences in alternative explanatory approaches to political issues and events.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught in seminar format, using reflexive discussion of student research proposals
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Bryman, Alan (2004)
Social Research Methods
, Oxford University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Someth and Lewin (2005)
Research methods in the social sciences
, Sage
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MAEPGOTFA - EUROPEAN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
MAEUPLTFA - European Union Politics and Law
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Rory.costello@ul.ie