Thinking Like a Political Scientist: From Research Puzzles to Rigorous Inquiry

What it is about

You will learn how to translate real empirical or theoretical questions into clearly bounded social science research questions and develop stringent, well-founded research designs. In the end you will be able to formulate research questions, sharpen central concepts, build analytical frameworks, and justify methodological and epistemological foundations of your approach and present them in writing.

What you will be able to do

• Recognize components of social science research (research question, hypotheses, methodology)
• Distinguish different types of research questions and evaluate their implications for research design
• Develop clear, well-defined research questions from observations and theoretical foundations
• Critically assess and refine theoretical concepts
• Construct coherent analytical frameworks across methodological traditions
• Evaluate the strengths and limits of different epistemic logics
• Reflect on epistemological and normative prerequisites of different research strategies
• Use scientific literature across disciplines to structure arguments and develop theory
• Communicate complex analytical ideas clearly and persuasively both orally and in writing

What the module consists of

• SeminarInteractive, student-driven work: inputs, writing exercises, presentations, peer discussions and peer review for developing one's own research designs

Teaching method

• Kurzinputs durch die LehrpersonConveying central concepts and impulses for one's own work
• Geleitete In-Class-Aktivitäten (Schreibübungen, Präsentationen, Peer-Review)Application, practice and immediate feedback to improve analytical and writing skills
• Intensive Seminar-Diskussionen und Close Reading exemplarischer ArbeitenPromotes critical reading, synthesis of complex ideas and the ability to argue scientifically