Qualitative Methods in Political Science POLS G9290x
Credits:3 pts.
This graduate-level seminar offers a broad introduction to what have been called qualitative and interpretive approaches to conducting and analyzing political science research: ethnography and participant-observation; case studies; field research, interviewing and archival work; historical institutionalism and comparative historical analysis; and interpretive modes of analysis. Much ink has been spilt recently on qualitative and interpretative methods in the discipline, and we will cover much of this work in addition to a few classic texts. While focused specifically on the logic and practice of these methods in political science, we will draw liberally from other disciplines in the human and social sciences when necessary. Epistemological issues are sure to emerge routinely, and we will try to think through them as appropriate. This seminar is intended to be a survey of the range of qualitative research strategies available in the social sciences, primarily in political science. It will not provide training in any single methodological approach, but participants will have an expanded ability to read and evaluate scholarship in this tradition, as well as design and execute qualitative and interpretive research. We will try to answer several questions throughout the course: Where do qualitative and interpretive methods fit into the broader discipline of political science? For which research questions are qualitative and interpretive methods best suited? Are these methods scientific? Rigorous? What criteria of evidence and argument apply to these approaches? Do qualitative methods of data collection lead to generalizable results? Is the goal description, explanation or interpretation? What ethical dilemmas are involved with qualitative research? When and how should qualitative methods be combined with other methods (or should they?)?
