This course is an introduction to research methods for political science majors. It serves two main purposes. First, this course introduces research design and the myriad methodologies employed by scholars as they engage in debates within the political science community and beyond. This course will cover many aspects of research design, but will focus primarily on the ability to ask good questions and to craft research plans to best answer those questions. Second, the course is an introduction to some of the major debates within political science. The course equips students with the tools to understand and conduct research in political science in upper-level electives.
