1. SECKIN BARIS GULMEZ baris.gulmez.2009@live.rhul.ac.uk

2. BARIŞ (BAARISH) PhD candidate Studying Turkey – EU relations Euroscepticism Email: baris.gulmez.2009@live.rhul.ac.uk Office Hours: Wednesday 2-4pm Room: FW102

3. FIRST TERM  PART I: ISSUES IN POLITICAL RESEARCH  PART II: QUANTITATIVE METHODS SECOND TERM  PART III: QUALITATIVE METHODS  PART IV: RESEARCH DESIGN

4.  * Peter Burnham, Karin Gilland Lutz, Wyn Grant and Zig Layton-Henry (2008). Research Methods in Politics (Palgrave Macmillan)  * David De Vaus (2002). Surveys in Social Research (London Routledge).  * Colin Hay (2002). Political Analysis (Palgrave).

5.  There are three assessed coursework assignments (see handbook).  One 2000-2500 word essay on quantitative research methods to be submitted to the Politics & IR office by 12 noon on Tuesday 6 th December 2011.  One 2000-2500 word essay on research design to be submitted to the Politics & IR office by 12 noon on Tuesday 20 th March 2012.  Examination in summer term

6.  Discuss with your peers:  1) what it means to be a university student: how is it different than a high school student?  2) what we should expect from the seminar tutor: How is this role different than lecturer?

7. Politics and Science  Can the study of politics be scientific?  How?  political science vs. political journalism

8.  Group up in 4-5  Read the two excerpts and ask each other:  Does the author provide a reliable account of why the riots took place?  Which claims are being made? Do they rely on credible sources?  Is the author biased/objective in his analysis?

9.  Week 3: Explanation and Understanding  Are law-like explanations possible within social science?  Can social scientists use the same research methods with natural scientists?

10. SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!