Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Research methods in International Relations and Diplomacy
Course Code
PZK_202
Branch of Science
International Politics; Political science
ECTS
7.50
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
To provide a comprehensive review of methods of International Relations (IR) and diplomacy.
Preliminary Knowledge
Students should have basic knowledge about international relations and international processes.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Upon completing the study course, the students will be able to explain and understand the concepts of ontology, epistemology, methodology, as well as to recognize and distinguish various research methods.
Skills
1.Upon completing the study course, the students will be able to apply quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection and analysis, avoiding the most common pitfalls; as well as to link the ontological and epistemological framework of the research to the choice of methods.
Competences
1.Upon completing the study course, the students will be able to independently choose scientifically justified methods in their research.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
• Active participation during classes and seminars (as well as criticism and recommendations given in response to other students' reports)
• Essays
|
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
-
|
|
2.
Examination |
-
|
-
|
|
• Active participation during classes and seminars – 30%
• Presentation and submission of own research -- 50%
• Final exam – 20%
|
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Relationship between ontological and epistemological assumptions and methodologies. "The battle over reality" (Moses, Knutsen 2019) - naturalism (positivism) versus constructivism (interpretivism). Which is more important: falsification, repeatability, predictability or trust, understanding, empathy, reflection? Isaiah Berlin and Verstehen. Methodological pluralism in international relations and diplomacy.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
What to do before choosing methods? “Good questions and the right data” (Lamont, Boduszyński 2020). Research question, research goal, literature research, data collection.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Methods as "data collection techniques" (Bryman 2008) and data analysis techniques. Why methodology and method are not the same. Selection of methods according to the ontological position. Outline of methods depending on the type of research: essay, scientific article, master's thesis, media publication. Experiment as a method of international relations and diplomacy - pros and cons.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Qualitative methods. Data collection: selection / representativeness. Free, structured, semi-structured interviews. Transcribing the interview. Focus groups. Observation. Data analysis: process tracking, discourse analysis, visual analysis.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Quantitative methods. Data collection: survey, multiple choice questionnaires, large-scale observation, big data. Representativeness. Data analysis: statistics, quantitative content analysis. Operationalization. Quantitative traps in the study or "How not to be wrong" (Ellenberg 2015).
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Mixed research design: combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Diplomatic research: political geography and spatial method.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Practical experience with quantitative methods in International Relations: guest lecture.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethical aspects of research methods. Stumbling blocks in the methodologies of naturalism and constructivism: from predictability to inapplicability, from Western centrism to cultural relativism. Are there methods for researchers with a strong position? Why be able to "see Pili" (Harman 2019). Financing and procurement - influence on the choice of method. Peer review as a support measure, not a hindrance.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The legal aspects of research methods. How not to break the law - GDPR, responsibility for data collection and storage. Obtaining the permission of the Ethics Committee. RSU Faculty of Law guest lecture.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Insights into the method selection process: Presentation and discussion of a scientific article authored by the course instructor. Research question and purpose. Explanation of ontology, epistemology and methodology. Justification of the choice of methods. Language and discourse. Influence of linguistic differences on the analysis. Discussion with the group.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The world's leading IR/D journals - methodological requirements and examples. Analysis of one article: ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The world's leading IR/D journals - methodological requirements and examples. Analysis of one article: ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The world's leading IR/D journals - methodological requirements and examples. Analysis of one article: ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The world's leading IR/D journals - methodological requirements and examples. Analysis of one article: ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
From being interested in a topic to research design. Group work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
From being interested in the topic to research design. Group work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of own research. Ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Literature review. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of own research. Ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Literature review. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of own research. Ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Literature review. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of own research. Ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Literature review. Research design. Methods.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
7.50
Contact hours:
40 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Relationship between ontological and epistemological assumptions and methodologies. "The battle over reality" (Moses, Knutsen 2019) - naturalism (positivism) versus constructivism (interpretivism). Which is more important: falsification, repeatability, predictability or trust, understanding, empathy, reflection? Isaiah Berlin and Verstehen. Methodological pluralism in international relations and diplomacy.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
What to do before choosing methods? “Good questions and the right data” (Lamont, Boduszyński 2020). Research question, research goal, literature research, data collection.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Methods as "data collection techniques" (Bryman 2008) and data analysis techniques. Why methodology and method are not the same. Selection of methods according to the ontological position. Outline of methods depending on the type of research: essay, scientific article, master's thesis, media publication. Experiment as a method of international relations and diplomacy - pros and cons.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Qualitative methods. Data collection: selection / representativeness. Free, structured, semi-structured interviews. Transcribing the interview. Focus groups. Observation. Data analysis: process tracking, discourse analysis, visual analysis.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Quantitative methods. Data collection: survey, multiple choice questionnaires, large-scale observation, big data. Representativeness. Data analysis: statistics, quantitative content analysis. Operationalization. Quantitative traps in the study or "How not to be wrong" (Ellenberg 2015).
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Mixed research design: combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Diplomatic research: political geography and spatial method.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Practical experience with quantitative methods in International Relations: guest lecture.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethical aspects of research methods. Stumbling blocks in the methodologies of naturalism and constructivism: from predictability to inapplicability, from Western centrism to cultural relativism. Are there methods for researchers with a strong position? Why be able to "see Pili" (Harman 2019). Financing and procurement - influence on the choice of method. Peer review as a support measure, not a hindrance.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The legal aspects of research methods. How not to break the law - GDPR, responsibility for data collection and storage. Obtaining the permission of the Ethics Committee. RSU Faculty of Law guest lecture.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Insights into the method selection process: Presentation and discussion of a scientific article authored by the course instructor. Research question and purpose. Explanation of ontology, epistemology and methodology. Justification of the choice of methods. Language and discourse. Influence of linguistic differences on the analysis. Discussion with the group.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The world's leading IR/D journals - methodological requirements and examples. Analysis of one article: ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The world's leading IR/D journals - methodological requirements and examples. Analysis of one article: ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The world's leading IR/D journals - methodological requirements and examples. Analysis of one article: ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The world's leading IR/D journals - methodological requirements and examples. Analysis of one article: ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
From being interested in a topic to research design. Group work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
From being interested in the topic to research design. Group work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of own research. Ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Literature review. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of own research. Ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Literature review. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of own research. Ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Literature review. Research design. Methods.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of own research. Ontology, epistemology, methodology. Research question. Literature review. Research design. Methods.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
7.50
Contact hours:
40 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Lamont, Christopher K; Boduszynski, Mietek. Research methods in politics and international relations. Sage publishing, 2020.
2.
Ellenberg, Jordan. How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking. Penguin Books, 2015. (Chapter 1 -- Less Like Sweden, Chapter 9 -- the International Journal of Haruspicy)
3.
Harman, Sophie. Seeing Politics. Montreal: MQUP. 2019. (Introduction and Chapter 6)
4.
Aradau C, Huysmans J. Critical methods in International Relations: The politics of techniques, devices and acts. European Journal of International Relations. 2014;20(3):596-619. doi:10.1177/1354066112474479
5.
Moses, Jonathon W., Knutsen, Torbjørn L. Ways of Knowing: Competing Methodologies in Social and Political Research. Red Globe Press, 2019.
Additional Reading
1.
Creswell, John W. Research Design. Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 5th edition. Sage, 2017.
2.
Neuendorf, Kimberly A. The Content Analysis Guidebook. 2nd Edition. Sage Publications, 2017.
3.
Ackerly, Brooke. “Feminist Methods in International Relations.” Politics & Gender 5, no. 3 (2009): 409–10. doi:10.1017/S1743923X09990195.
4.
Pouliot, Vincent, Cornut, Jérémie. “Practice Theory and the Study of Diplomacy: A Research Agenda.” Cooperation and Conflict, vol. 50, no. 3, 2015, pp. 297–315. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/45084291
5.
Mārtinsone, Kristīne, Pipere, Anita, Kamerāde, Daiga. Pētniecība. Teorija un prakse. RaKa, 2016.
6.
Ņikišins, Jurijs. "Kvantitatīvās metodes socioloģijā." Nacionālā enciklopēdija.
7.
Ņikišins, Jurijs. "Kvalitatīvās metodes socioloģijā." Nacionālā enciklopēdija.
8.
Role Theory in International Relations, edited by Sebastian Harnisch, et al., Taylor & Francis Group, 2011.