Foundations of Social Science Research
SOC-STD 50
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
This course introduces students to the diversity of methods that social scientists use to answer questions about the social and political world. We survey both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and consider how to make the most of each at all stages of the research process, from exploring ideas, to collecting evidence, to communicating findings. Students learn how to conduct interviews and focus groups, use archives and primary sources creatively, and design interesting case studies. Students also learn how to conduct in-depth ethnographic observation, use an array of quantitative tools, run surveys, and understand the logic of experiments and causal inference. We consider how deeper epistemological commitments shape our methodological choices, and how politics and power shape the scientific communities in which we work. Course assignments help thesis-writers explore potential topics and prepare them to immediately conduct productive original research. Sectioning will be scheduled after enrollment. This class is designed for juniors concentrating in Social Studies; sophomores, seniors, and students from other concentrations should contact the instructor before petitioning to enroll.
Course Notes
This course will be lotteried and is open to non-concentrators if space permits. This course must be taken for a Letter Grade and cannot be taken Pass/Fail.
Not Available for Cross Registration
