Political Science 3, in-depth course, 30 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• Passed Political Science, basic course, 30 ECTS credits
• Political Science, continuation course, 30 ECTS credits, with 22.5 ECTS credits passed, or equivalent

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to 

• demonstrate an critical and analytical approach to political questions and phenomena, 
• apply both qualitative and quantitative methods of political science,
• argue for different choices of methods in relation to various types of research assignments and material, 
• demonstrate an ability to reflect on and evaluate scientific texts based on both qualitative and quantitative method application, 
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of one of the research-related specialisations that are covered in the elective modules, 
• independently plan, carry out and present a political science study linked to relevant theorising. 

Course content

METHODS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, 7.5 HE credits 
This module includes both broadening and specialisation of previously acquired method knowledge. There will be a strong emphasis on introducing and, in a practical way, applying quantitative methods in the study of policy, but the module also covers different qualitative methods, such as text and discourse analysis and interview method. Concretising examples and practical exercises are essential. 

OPTIONAL COURSE, 7.5 HE credits 
This module comprises study of literature in a relevant political science research field. The supply of specialisation courses reflect the existing competence and scientific interests of the teaching staff, and is changed continuously. A list of current alternatives is provided by the department.  

THESIS, 15 HE credits 
This module requires planning, implementation and defence of a scientific work, and review of another student's work. The degree project may be written individually or by two students. The work is presented as an essay. 

Teaching and working methods

On all modules except Thesis, lectures are given to introduce and develop the course contents. The lectures complement the reading list. The seminars constitute a central part of the students' learning processes and give the opportunity to reflect and collectively discuss critically, in order to develop the approach and skills. The student is expected to be well prepared for the lectures and to have completed the seminar preparations according to the instructions in the course description. The student is expected to assimilate the reading list independently and/or in self-organised reading groups. For the module Thesis, the teaching is mainly conducted through supervision, individually and in groups, and through seminars, particularly the final examination seminar. As with seminars, the student is expected to be well prepared for supervision and (at group supervision) to deliver constructive criticism on other students' work in dialogue. 

Examination

Methods of Political Science is examined continuously through written assignments and active participation in the seminars. The elective in-depth course is examined through written an individual take-home examination and active participation in seminars. The examiner may, depending on the number of students or out of consideration for the nature of the course material, prescribe an individual oral exam. The thesis is examined through presentation and defence of an essay and a review of another student's essay at a specific essay seminar.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department